Participation Service

Participation in Sutton

Our vision is for all care‑experienced children and young people in Sutton to know that their voice is:

• Encouraged

• Respected

• Valued

• Acted on

We want young people to understand the difference between_consultation_ and_participation_. It’s not enough for their views to be heard — their ideas should influence real decisions about the services they use.

Children and young people should be active partners in every part of their care. This includes their personal care plans and reviews, as well as decisions made at a service and an organisational level.

Professionals and young people should see involvement not as a “tick‑box exercise”, but as an essential and meaningful part of how decisions are made. Young people should always feel that their contribution makes a difference.

The Participation Team is here to support young people to share their views confidently, and to make sure those views shape the services they receive. How we support participation Children in Care Council (CiCC)

The Children in Care Council is a group made up of children and young people in care, and care leavers. The group represents their collective voice, helping Sutton improve the support and services we offer.

Members of the CiCC can also take part in paid work opportunities, such as helping to interview new social workers as part of Sutton’s recruitment process.

CiCC meetings are a space for young people to share their ideas, talk about activities they want Sutton to organise, and give honest feedback about their experiences. Corporate Parenting Board – Open Invite

Members of the Children in Care Council regularly present their views to senior leaders and councillors at Sutton’s Corporate Parenting Forum.

However, any child or young person in care or care leaver is welcome to attend these meetings to share their views or speak about the support they receive.

If you would like to attend, please contact the Participation Officer using the details below. Corporate Parenting explained: Corporate Parenting means that all council teams, elected councillors, and partner organisations (such as health and education services) share the responsibility for making sure children and young people in Sutton’s care receive the best possible support. More opportunities coming soon

We are developing more ways for young people to get involved. This page will be updated as new opportunities are confirmed. Please view the Participation Suggestion Survey Contact the Participation Service Participation Officer: Joshua Winfield Participation Lead: Kieron Ifill

Email:****participation@cognus.org.uk Phone: 07508 993068