After the formation of the Brighton Youth Action Group (BYAG), the need for a dedi­cated youth worker was iden­tified to work alongside the young people and to develop a Youth Strategy. Recognising the importance of appointing someone who could resonate with BYAG and align with the existing team’s approach, Council took a bold step – they put young people at the heart of the recruitment process.

The BYAG actively partic­ipated in every stage of recruitment. They:

• Created a position descrip­tion tailored to the role’s youth-focused objectives.
• Drafted youth-relevant selection criteria.
• Developed interview questions.
• Participated on the inter­view panel and made the final hiring decision.

This process wasn’t just about ticking boxes – it was transformative for everyone involved. BYAG members gained first-hand experience of the employment process, boosting their confidence, communication and leadership skills. More importantly, they ensured their voices were rep­resented in choosing someone they would work with directly.

After an intense process, the panel selected John Flack as the successful candidate. Thanks to their involvement, the young people already felt a connection and partnership with John before his first day.

“The amazing part was how much thought they put into each applicant,” said Kylie Murphy, Brighton Council’s Community Development Officer. “They understood the gravity of this life-changing de­cision, not just for the success­ful candidate, but also for their group. Their seriousness and care throughout the process was inspiring.”

The youth-led recruitment process didn’t just benefit the council – it empowered the young leaders as well. They developed critical skills in de­cision-making, teamwork and communication.

“It has enabled them to feel trusted and valued in such a big process,” said Kylie. “It wasn’t just about hiring some­one; it was about giving them a platform to lead and feel confident in their abilities.”

For John Flack, being hired by the young people he would be working with was a unique and humbling experience.

“It was daunting at first, because you feel an obligation to meet their expectations and work closely with them since they’re the ones who chose you,” said John. “But the transition was smooth, and the relationships were already established from day one. It’s been a great experience.”

Council ensured the process was thorough, even conduct­ing mock interviews to help prepare the young panel members. On reflection, Kylie suggested that including an external participant in these mock interviews could have added an extra layer of realism and preparation.

This approach to recruitment ensures that young people are included at every step in matters that affect them. By empowering BYAG to lead the hiring process, Brighton Coun­cil demonstrated trust in their young leaders and reinforced the value of their input. The result? A smoother onboarding process, a stronger connection between the Youth Engage­ment Officer and the young people, and a sense of shared ownership and success.