Family Justice Young ’s Board; FJYPB) Participation and Business Support Officer

Important role clarification
This post is dedicated to the Family Justice Young People’s Board (FJYPB). Cafcass sponsors and supports the FJYPB, but this is not a general Cafcass business support post. The role’s day-to-day purpose is to provide business, administrative and participation support for the FJYPB, its members and its programme of work.

Do you believe children and young people should have a genuine influence on decisions, services and systems that affect their lives?

The Family Justice Young People’s Board (FJYPB) brings together children and young people with lived experience of family justice. Board members use their experiences and ideas to influence practice, policy and decision-making across the family justice system in England and Wales.

The FJYPB is sponsored by Cafcass and works with Cafcass, Cafcass Cymru and a wide range of family justice partners. Although the post will involve working alongside Cafcass colleagues and using relevant organisational processes, the role is specifically assigned to the FJYPB and exists to support the Board’s members, activities and priorities.

The FJYPB delivers a substantial programme of participation activity, including commissions, consultations, events, training, conferences and strategic influence work. Members require thoughtful, reliable and well-coordinated support so they can participate safely, meaningfully and inclusively.

We are looking for an FJYPB Participation and Business Support Officer to join the team that supports the Board. This is not a general support role for Cafcass services or teams. Your focus will be the effective running of the FJYPB and the practical arrangements that enable children and young people to take part in its work.

The post combines business administration, coordination and direct participation support. You will help organise the FJYPB’s programme, maintain clear information and records, coordinate practical arrangements, communicate with members and stakeholders, and support children and young people before, during and after FJYPB activities.

Meaningful participation is about more than organising meetings and events. It requires trust, safe spaces, careful planning, clear communication and effective follow-up. You will play an important part in ensuring FJYPB members feel informed, valued, prepared and able to influence real decisions.

• Provide day-to-day business and administrative support for the FJYPB and its programme of work.
• Maintain regular, appropriate contact with FJYPB members so they are informed, prepared and supported.
• Support children and young people before, during and after FJYPB participation activities and commissions.
• Coordinate FJYPB projects and commissions from initial planning through to delivery, feedback and follow-up.
• Organise Board meetings, participation sessions, travel, accommodation and other practical arrangements.
• Maintain accurate information, records, trackers and systems that support FJYPB activity, oversight and reporting.
• Prepare accessible information, communications and materials for children and young people, professionals and partners.
• Support creative, digital and inclusive approaches that enable members to participate in ways that work for them.
• Help present the views and messages of FJYPB members clearly, while preserving their meaning and ensuring their voices remain central.
• Help members understand how their contributions have been used and what has changed as a result.
• Work with the wider FJYPB support team, Cafcass colleagues, Cafcass Cymru and family justice partners to coordinate opportunities and maximise the impact of members’ voices.
• Apply safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection and…