Location: UK-Flexible (Hybrid – this role primarily engages with stakeholders based in Scotland, so proximity to Scotland is advantageous, but applicants from anywhere in the UK are welcome).
Salary: £30,070 to £32,724 per annum
Hours: 35 per week
Contract: Permanent (starting 23rd February 2026)
Are you passionate about amplifying the voices of refugees and people seeking asylum? Do you believe in the power of lived experience to shape services, policy and public perception? Could you help build a more inclusive society by empowering others to lead change?
Participation Officer – Role Overview
As a Participation Officer, you will support people with lived experience of migration to influence change across services, media, and policy. You will work closely with VOICES Ambassadors in Scotland and the wider Refugee Support team, coordinating participation initiatives, co-production projects, and advocacy opportunities. Your work will directly contribute to building a more welcoming and equitable society.
What a day in the life will involve
* Supporting people with lived experience to take part in co-production and advocacy projects.
* Helping individuals share their stories safely and meaningfully with the public and media.
* Building strong relationships with partners and colleagues across the UK.
* Planning and delivering inclusive training and participation activities.
* Managing and supporting a variety of projects.
* Gathering insights and feedback to improve services and influence change.
Success Criteria
* Strong understanding of challenges faced by refugees and people seeking asylum, and experience supporting them through participation or co-production projects.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, including those whose first language is not English.
* Confidence in project management, partnership building, and collaborative work across teams and organisations.
* Ability to work independently, juggle competing priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances.
* Commitment to inclusive practice, safeguarding, and the values of the Red Cross, with flexibility to travel in the UK and abroad and occasionally work unsociable hours.
* Ability to plan, facilitate, and deliver training sessions and social activities.
The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Tuesday 20th January 2026. Interviews commence Friday 30th January 2026.
Benefits
* Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
* Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
* Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
* Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
* Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
* Wellbeing Support: Peer Supporters, CiC (EAP) & Headspace App.
* Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.
We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK-based roles. During your application, you will have the option to apply under the scheme.
At the British Red Cross, we value diversity and maintain an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We champion our teams in bringing their true selves to work, free from discrimination. This is achieved through reporting and assistance from our internal networks: Race and Ethnic Equality (REEN), LGBT+, Disability and Wellness (DAWN), Gender, Carers, and Young Staff Network.
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