Salary: £33,366 - £34,314 per annum
Hours: 37
Location: Across Cumberland
Contract: Permanent – Full Time
About us
Cumberland Council is an ambitious and forward-thinking authority dedicated to shaping a better future for our communities. We are passionate about creating a vibrant future by addressing inequalities, creating thriving economies that work for our residents and protecting our environment.
At the core of our vision is a commitment to our people, with health and well-being being integral to everything we do, underscoring every initiative and ensuring we provide unparalleled support for all.
We can’t do it without you! Come and embark on the journey to a vibrant future with us, where the work you do will make a real impact. Together, let's shape a community that's as dynamic and inclusive as our landscape. Be a part of the transformation!
#WeAreCumberland
About this opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join Cumberland and make a difference to our children and their families. We are proud of our compassionate and talented workforce who are ambitious and committed to making a difference to our children and their families. If you are looking to influence best practice, whilst being surrounded by inspirational leaders and peers who are dedicated to our children come and help us continue our Cumberland journey!
We are looking for an enthusiastic Participation officer who is committed to promoting participation of children and young people and can work creatively with children and young people from a range of backgrounds to ensure their voices are heard.
Key responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible for supporting our Cumberland Youth Voice participation and engagement groups. You will be passionate about participation and enjoy the challenges of working in a range of settings as an effective champion of children’s rights and voices.
As a participation officer you will be supporting children and young people at a time that is accessible for them including evening and weekend working.
Who we’re looking for
Fundamentally, we are seeking individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change and shape a better future for our communities. Your commitment to these principles will be instrumental in delivering services that are vital to the well-being and prosperity of our residents.
If this sounds like you, then please get in touch!
We believe in cultivating potential over perfection. If this job sounds like you and you resonate with our values we encourage you to apply or contact Nikki.donaldson@cumbria.gov.uk for an informal chat prior to your application.
What we offer
*In accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Services
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 26th January 2025
Interview date: TBC Feb 2025
Our interview process can accommodate both in-person and virtual formats, with tailored options discussed upon invitation to the interview stage. Preferred for virtual interviews is the use of Microsoft Teams, currently available for new users at no cost. However, should you encounter any challenges accessing this technology, we are open to discussing alternative arrangements prior to the scheduled interviews.
The advertised salary includes a supplement (JWC) to the base grade of the post. JWC supplements are conditional on the physical demands and /or working conditions of the role.
DBS
Conducting Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks is integral to our commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for our staff and the communities we serve. These checks play a crucial role in safeguarding, ensuring that individuals with appropriate qualifications and character are entrusted with roles where they may have access to children and vulnerable people. By prioritising DBS checks, we uphold the highest standards of integrity, reinforcing our dedication to the well-being and trust of those we engage with.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s/Adults Barred List check.
Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults and/or Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults and/or Children.
Work-Life balance
Cumberland Council is deeply invested in fostering a work culture that prioritises the well-being and balance of our team members. Embracing flexible and hybrid working models, we empower employees to achieve optimal work-life balance.
Recognising the importance of personal time, we offer a generous holiday allowance, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. Additionally, our flexible working hours, including flexitime arrangements, further contribute to a supportive environment where individuals can effectively manage their professional and personal commitments.
Continuing Professional Development
We are committed to nurturing the ongoing growth and professional advancement of our valued team members to fulfil your potential and advance your career. Our comprehensive career development and training offer emphasises continuous learning as a cornerstone for achieving both individual and organisational goals. Through our robust Organisational Development initiatives, we offer a suite of support programmes tailored to meet diverse needs, including participation in our esteemed Aspiring to be a Manager programme and access to our enriching Coaching and Mentoring programmes.
Keeping the people we work with safe
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect unwavering commitment to this cause from our employees, volunteers, and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs). Together, we create a secure environment where every individual is safeguarded and respected.
We welcome applications from everyone
At Cumberland Council, we are dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce, striving to mirror the rich tapestry of the communities we proudly serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are devoted in fostering an inclusive, supportive culture that embraces and appreciates our unique differences.
As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that applicants with disabilities, meeting the essential criteria for this position, are guaranteed an interview as part of our commitment to equal opportunities. Your diverse perspectives and talents contribute to our collective success.
We're also an Age Friendly Employer, meaning we commit to providing an inclusive workplace for people in their 50s and 60s and taking the necessary action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce. We recognise the importance of mature workers and aim to provide an environment on which they can thrive.
Reasonable Adjustments: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know on; Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. We will ensure that these adjustments are made to accommodate your needs.
Your Voice Matters; Connect, Engage, and Make Your Voice Heard!
We don't just encourage engagement—we celebrate it. That's why we've cultivated a vibrant community of staff networking groups where every voice matters.
These groups are more than just forums—they're hubs of innovation and inclusion, dedicated to sparking fresh ideas, challenging the status quo, and championing equality and fairness for all. From exploring new perspectives to shaping policies that reflect our diverse workforce, our staff networks play a pivotal role in driving positive change.
Join us and become part of something bigger:
Please read the supporting information:
Post Specification