At Leicestershire Cares, we have been working to increase the participation of young people in our work. We are committed to using a co-production approach in our work with young people, encouraging participants to “create” rather than just “consume” ideas for projects and activities.
In recent weeks, we have involved young people in the recruitment of new staff to key roles in our organisation across both our Children and Young People and our Community Development teams. This has involved holding a separate young people's panel and having young people on the interview panel alongside staff.
I've never done anything like this before. It's given me a good perspective on what it's like to be the person interviewing - they are likely to be just as nervous as the interviewee! I now know a lot more about giving answers based on the job description and how to avoid falling into traps in my own job interviews.
Joe, young people panel participant
Young people have written and asked questions, scored interviewees and been part of the decision making process. This has not only given participants insights into what it is like to be on the other side of an interview, but has also strengthened our recruitment processes and ensured we have got the right people for our jobs.
I felt quite nervous before but the staff made me feel comfortable joining in, especially how we all knew what questions we were asking and when. Seeing as we interviewed more than one person, I felt more confident as we went on. I also like the fact that myself had a young person had that chance to help and give you my feedback.
Saffron, interview panel participant
At Leicestershire Cares, we are constantly learning and improving our approach to involving young people in our work and decision making.
We will soon be launching our new Participation Strategy and establishing a young people's participation group to guide our work and priorities. Watch this space!