Over the last month some members of our Participation Groups, Kira (Somerset in Care and Leaving Care Council – SiCC and SLCC) and Abi (Youth Parliament Advisory Group), Chloe (SiCC and SLCC ) and Elected Member of Somerset Youth Parliament James all volunteered to represent young people by sitting alongside Somerset Council managers on a panel to interview candidates for a variety of posts.
All four members took part in interview skills training and pre-interview preparation. This involved:
- Understanding equalities, bias and fairness
- ‘Do’s and don’ts’ of interviewing candidates – etiquette, consistency and respect
- Expectations of candidate answers and behaviours
- Evaluation processes
In addition, each member read through the Job Descriptions, identifying areas of these job roles where their key responsibilities aligned with specific areas of interest to young people, then they set about creating questions to ask candidates, as part of the interview panel.
On the interview days, members worked with the managers to read CV’s and personal statements.
Chloe said:
I was really proud to be a part of these interviews. They are something that young people – especially in the care system – should have a say in, because candidates could be working with them and getting to know them.
It was also good to get solid, positive feedback about how I delivered information and views during the interviews. I’d love to do it again.
Kira said:
I’ve never had interview training before and I kind of knew ‘it’- but didn’t actually realise it – if that makes sense! It really did help. And it was nice to get a certificate and be recognised for our help.
I really enjoyed being part of the interview panel. It means a lot to be trusted with a responsibility and to sit alongside the adult panel in helping to choose someone for the role. It’s very empowering and I can definitely say it boosted my confidence.
Abi said:
I’ve had so many interviews myself and not been successful so far, and I now totally understand why! Being part of the interview panel really helped me to understand what interviewers are looking for and why. The skills from this experience are essential (I feel) for succeeding as it gives you firsthand experience.
I wish everyone had the chance to interview people. Yes, it’s tiring and nerve racking, but this out-of-your-comfort-zone experience brings you a new perspective on your own job search and career journey as a whole.
The support and feedback I got from the adult panel was super encouraging as they genuinely cared about our progress as young interviewers and our experience of working alongside them.
Overall, I can’t thank Youth Parliament and the Engagement and Participation enough for this vital work experience.
Rachel Bovingdon, Somerset Council Service Manager Safeguarding Care and Quality Assurance said of Kira and Abi:
I really enjoyed interviewing with Kira and Abi – they were both professional and fair. They contributed to the final decision on who should be appointed in the role and helped us understand who would work well in the service that they are a part of. The two questions they created were thought provoking and they delivered the questions with such etiquette. I felt proud being alongside them, knowing that they are part of young people’s voice.
SiCC and SLCC
The Somerset Care Council is a forum where young people in care or care leavers can have a voice about their lived experiences. This voice can help shape and review the services you use.
Through the core group, the creatives or the film crew, care experienced young people can contribute through doing surveys, creating films, interviewing new staff, contributing to our newsletter, attending virtual meetings or being connected through email or social media. Their views and opinions help to improve the way services are shaped in Children’s Social Care at Somerset Council.
For more information on SiCC and SLCC and to join, visit their website
