Location
London (Hybrid) – You’ll be expected to be in the office at least 3 days per week or 60% of your working time in the office.

Hours
Full-time – Permanent

Salary
£42,750 - £47,620 per annum inclusive of Inner London Weighting

About the Role
Are you passionate about championing children’s rights and amplifying young voices — especially those who need to be heard the most? We’re looking for a Children’s Rights and Participation Officer to lead meaningful engagement with children and young people across the City of London, ensuring they’re at the heart of our services, policies and decision-making. You’ll work with children in care, care leavers, young carers and others with lived experience of Early Help or Social Care, helping shape a city where every child’s voice matters.

You will design and lead innovative ways for children and young people to participate, share feedback, and influence service improvements. From advocacy to Return Home Interviews, your work will directly protect rights, promote wellbeing and improve outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:
- Championing the Voice of the Child by promoting participation across Children’s Services, coordinating the Children in Care Council, and driving co-production.
- Delivering advocacy that makes a difference by supporting individual children and young people to navigate systems, access their rights and thrive.
- Influencing at every level by sharing insights and evidence with senior leaders and Members to improve services for those who need them most.

You will report to the Head of Safeguarding and Quality Assurance and work across internal services and external partners to ensure children’s rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. The role offers variety, creativity and purpose, alongside ongoing professional development and CPD support.

In addition to a competitive salary and membership of the excellent Local Government Pension Scheme, you will benefit from a comprehensive package including interest-free season ticket and bicycle loans, plus discounts on health and wellbeing, arts and culture.

Experience
- Relevant experience working with children and young people in vulnerable situations.
- Experience in participation and advocacy roles.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, children’s rights (e.g. UNCRC, Children Act 1989), and local authority operations.

About you
- A confident communicator who can build trust and challenge where needed.
- Skilled in developing creative, inclusive engagement methods such as workshops, surveys, events and training.
- Committed to promoting equity, inclusion and anti-racist practice.
- Knowledgeable about GDPR, confidentiality, and able to manage time and reporting effectively.
- Passionate about championing children’s rights and amplifying young voices.

Qualifications
- A relevant qualification (e.g. in youth work, social work) or equivalent experience in participation and advocacy.