jobSenior Planning Officer

Walsall Council; Walsall; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority organization is seeking a Children and Young Persons Champion in Walsall. This role involves leading the engagement of children and young people, particularly those in care, to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes. The ideal candidate will manage staff, work collaboratively with various sectors, and drive improvements in service delivery. The position includes flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous holiday entitlements

First-class pension scheme

Training and personal development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading engagement projects.
• Ability to manage staff and strategic priorities effectively.
• Strong commitment to children's rights.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate participation of children and families in key forums.
• Work with multi-agency partners to drive change.
• Empower young people to influence service provision.

Skills

Leadership in participation projects

Effective communication

Creative problem-solving

Staff management

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination of participation of children, young people, and families in key decision‑making forums, including the Corporate Parenting Board.
• Work collaboratively with senior managers, elected members, and multi‑agency partners to drive forward change.
• Facilitate groups for children in care and care leavers, including those who are harder to reach.
• Conduct surveys and research into involvement issues to develop action plans that help to drive and improve service delivery.
• Oversee staff and lead working groups and projects related to the Corporate Parenting agenda.

Requirements

• Applicants appointed to posts that require an enhanced DBS clearance must declare any periods of time they have lived, studied or worked abroad and be prepared to provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate (OCRC) or a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC).
• This post is covered by the Government's Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.
• Must be able to work creatively, independently, manage staff, diary and strategic priorities effectively; travel throughout the borough and be willing for some out‑of‑hours work.

About the role

We are looking for an inspiring and passionate individual with a deep commitment to the rights of children and young people. You should have a proven track record in leading participation and engagement projects and be confident in working with a range of stakeholders, creative, independent, and able to manage staff, your diary and strategic priorities effectively.

Join Walsall Council's Children's Services as a Children and Young Persons Champion during an exciting time of change. Following our recent "Outstanding" rating from OFSTED, we are dedicated to building on this success and putting the voices of children and young people at the heart of our continued development.

The opportunity: You will be a key leader in coordinating the engagement and participation of Walsall's children, young people, and their families. You will empower young people, particularly those who are in the care journey, care experienced or leaving care, to influence strategy and service provision. This role involves strategic, multi‑agency work with partners across health, education, and other sectors to ensure that children's rights are upheld and their voices are heard. We will refresh the Children in Care Council (CiCC) and expand its membership to ensure wider representation.

Benefits and flexible working

• Flexible working arrangements (flexitime, full or part time, job sharing usually available).
• Generous holiday entitlements.
• First‑class pension scheme and plenty of training and personal development opportunities.

Inclusion and equality

Walsall Council is committed to creating and working to uphold an inclusive environment where every person feels empowered, valued and respected. We strongly encourage applications from individuals across diverse backgrounds, and we work to treat all applicants fairly and without discrimination. We actively promote diversity and equality, ensuring that our services and opportunities are accessible to all members of our community.

Living in Walsall

Part of the Black Country, famous for its enterprising and industrial past, Walsall is reinventing itself to become a progressive modern community. The borough is centred around the major town of Walsall, but also includes five smaller and distinctive district centres (Bloxwich, Aldridge, Willenhall, Darlaston and Brownhills), together with numerous villages. Find out more about Living in Walsall.

Safer recruitment

Walsall Council is committed to Safer Recruitment. To achieve our commitment, we will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce.