Find out more about our Care Experienced Consultant roles

Wendy: Along with some other colleagues from Blue Cabin, I was part of a working group thinking about what these new roles could look like and how Care Experienced Consultants could influence and contribute to Blue Cabin’s projects, policy and services.

The final job descriptions were not something we arrived at quickly; we did lots of work to make sure that this is the best experience it possibly can be for the people who take on the role. We met regularly online and talked about how we can make sure there’s real value in these roles, not just for Blue Cabin as an organisation but also for the people who we appoint.

Sedil: Shaping these roles has been an involved and collaborative journey. It was important that we made sure the roles are ethically, safely and meaningfully created and supported and that we brought together a diverse group, with different perspectives, to explore various possibilities.

We constantly evaluated how to best support the Care Experienced Consultants and we’ve made sure that we can provide a supportive, trauma-informed environment for whoever is appointed.

Wendy: Having more people with lived experience of the care system will help Blue Cabin to prioritise the things that our care experienced consultants tell us will be the most meaningful and have the most impact for other care experienced people. Ultimately I hope that the skills and knowledge that our Care Experienced Consultants bring will strengthen and improve the important work that Blue Cabin does.

Sedil: Having these roles will help us ensure that care-experienced individuals feel heard and valued in Blue Cabin’s decision-making processes. Their unique perspectives can lead to more effective practices in our work at Blue Cabin.

We want to encourage more care-experienced people to take on leadership roles and have a more active part in shaping their futures, instilling confidence and inspiring others.

Wendy: When I was new to Blue Cabin I had an excellent induction programme which helped me to feel supported and valued from day one – and I know others who work with Blue Cabin have had the same experience.

Our new Care Experienced Consultants will be supported and guided to be able to make a really valuable contribution. And because we’re recruiting up to four people, hopefully they’ll all be joining us at around the same time meaning they’ll have that peer support and shared experience with each other as well.

Sedil: The role provides a chance to get involved in all sorts of work, from creative projects to strategic planning, offering a well-rounded experience. Blue Cabin’s commitment to flexibility means that we can tailor the roles to align with people’s interests and strengths.

Wendy: We will tailor the roles around each person’s interests. So, for example, one person might want to get involved with social media while another might want to learn more about business administration.

We want to make sure the opportunity is meaningful for Blue Cabin but also an incredible learning experience for the people joining us, which they can take forward into their future careers.

We see people’s potential and you don’t need any previous work experience in this area. All of the skills, experience and support that are needed will be provided.

Sedil: I hope people will gain increased confidence and empowerment in expressing their views and contributing to substantial discussions, knowing their insights are valued and respected.

They will gain a sense of belonging within a community that values their experiences, and the opportunity to work in an environment that encourages creative thinking and innovative contributions.

There will also be networking opportunities – building connections with artists and other professionals, broadening their personal and professional networks.

• Sedil Kilic has an undergraduate degree in civil engineering and is currently studying for her Master’s degree at Imperial College London. She has personal experience of the care system and is motivated to empower and support young people in care to obtain important creative skills. Sedil would like to work towards a future where care leavers are encouraged to succeed, free of stigma and are treated as equals amongst their community.
• Wendy Price has been a trustee with Blue Cabin for nearly a year and a half. Wendy is also Head of Widening Access and Participation at the University of Sunderland, leading the team which supports all the University’s care experienced students – from the initial point of contact through to graduation and beyond.

We’re looking for 4 care experienced people, aged 18 or over, to join Blue Cabin as Care Experienced Consultants.

Find out more here>>