Parent Representative role
Are you Compassionate and have a strong desire for change?
We are looking for a pool of parents and carers to represent Birmingham Parent Carer Forum C.I.C (BPCF).
Do you have experience you can offer to strengthen the forum? If you live in Birmingham and have a child/young person aged up to 25 with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), we would love you to join us as a voluntary Parent Representative.
What is the role of a Parent Representative?
The main aim of a Parent Representative is to spread our vision for Birmingham and raise awareness of the forum; this can be done in a number of ways. Whether that be participating in projects within Education, Health or Social Care having a strategic input into services or supporting other families at coffee mornings, support groups and other community activities. The Parent Representative role can be shaped to meet your experiences and interests. All Parent Representatives will be supported by a member of the Committee and will receive training to ensure they have all the skills and knowledge needed to fulfil their role.
Birmingham Parent Carer Forum work with multiple partners in Education, Health and Social Care. As a Parent Representative there will be opportunities for you to take part in projects in each of these areas. In the past year the Forum has worked on co-producing an EHCP Booklet for families, improving the Local Offer website, developing Hospital Passports and the short breaks provision. These are just a few examples of projects a Parent Representative could take part in.
Why should I get involved?
When you become a Parent Representative you become part of a community and collective voice to bring about impactful and meaningful change. You will have your voice heard in a way that connects locally, regionally and nationally. As a Parent Representative you will have access to training programmes, wellbeing activities and social engagements.
To achieve our aims we need to hear parents’ views and experiences. To that end we need Parent Carer Representatives to join our team and help us expand our reach across Birmingham. You will play a vital part in the strategic direction of the services provided for SEND children, young people and their families in Birmingham.
As a thank you for your time and expertise we offer all of our Parent Representatives vouchers for attending meetings as well as covering mileage and expenses such as lunch, drinks and childcare. This is a great opportunity for you to share your experience with others, further your personal development in a team that will continue to develop and grow together.
How much time do I need to commit?
As parent carers ourselves we understand your time is valuable. The role is flexible and you can choose your commitment to fit around your own time. There are a number of varied roles that can be shaped around your availability, meetings can be held virtually or face to face.
Become a Parent Representative today
If you are interested in becoming a Parent Representative please download and complete the documents below, they can then be sent to info@birminghampcf.org. We will then be intouch to start your induction process.