We have identified the importance of a value base that promotes participation and we will now consider some of the skills that are needed to make it happen. For this activity listen to the audio accounts of Pete and Phil who are two participation trainers discussing their work with children and different agencies.
Compile a list identifying the skills that appear to contribute to effective participation work, based on their accounts.
Interactive content appears here. Please visit the website to use it.DownloadInterview with Peter Duncan and Phil TresederView documentTranscriptThere are clearly many skills needed to make participation happen, some of the important ones are listed here:
genuine, non patronising and respectful communication skills;
ability to deal sensitively with children’s issues;
being aware of child protection and your responsibilities to protect children;
convincing children that you are serious about listening to them and taking action;
ensure that what you are doing is not tokenistic and that systems and structures are in place to act on children’s views;
knowing how to access and effectively use resources;
creating inclusive environments by negotiating with children and providing them with choices about mediums and methods of communication;
ability to work with a co-worker;
looking after yourself as the work can be tiring;
learning from mistakes as part of an ongoing evaluation;
convincing other adults to work in new ways.
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