The National Children’s Bureau (NCB) is recruiting for its 11-17 advisory board on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) for children and young people with lived experience of children’s social care.

The board will be formed of children and young people based in England for whom children’s social care has played a role in their lives and who are passionate about making it better. They will play a vital role in informing proposals for reforms to children’s social care policy with the Department for Education (DfE), following the publication of Stable Homes, Built on Love.

NCB is excited to be doing continuing this work for DfE as we are committed to ensuring children and young people’s views and experiences bring about lasting change for them, their services, and their communities.

This is a fantastic opportunity open to children and young people aged 11-17 with experience of children’s social care in England. This includes, but is not limited to, children in care and care experienced young people, siblings of children in care, unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people, children who have ever had a social worker, e.g. been a child in need or on a child protection plan, and children of foster carers.

What does it look like?

• 6 in-person meetings a year in London
• There is no cost! All travel and expenses are covered
• Members get vouchers for taking part
• Members can have their voices heard on issues which are important to them and help shape the future of children’s social care
• They will learn valuable new skills and meet new people
• They will have access to other exciting opportunities

Safeguarding and pastoral care for our board members is an absolute priority as well as enabling the children and young people involved to develop their own skills and experience.

Please encourage children and young people you work with to apply by filling in this short application form by 9th May 2025.

If they would rather apply another way, for example by video, please see the Information Sheet attached for details on how to do this.

 If you would like this information in a different language, please let us know.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on participation@ncb.org.uk

7. Info Sheet – Children and Young People 3. Easy Read Info Sheet 6. Info Sheet – Professionals