A Charter Champion is someone appointed by their organisation who has endorsed the Charter of Rights for Children and Young People in Care. The champion acts as a contact, conduit and advocate of the Charter. They may be a youth worker, social worker, supervisor, manager or chief executive. What matters is the champion’s leadership on children’s rights.
To become a Charter Champion, you must first fill out and return the Charter Champion Agreement.
A Charter Champion should:
- be a strong advocate for the rights of children
- have the time and skills to promote the Charter within their organisation
- have the support of other staff and management in carrying out their responsibilities as Charter Champion.
The role of a Charter Champion will:
- ensure Charter information is available and displayed in staff work areas
- ensure Charter information is visible and available in areas frequented by children and young people in care and that Charter resources for children and young people in care are distributed appropriately
- assist and advise management and governing bodies to incorporate the Charter and its principles into the organisation’s policy and practice
- provide updates to their organisation’s staff and lead team discussions where necessary
- provide advice and guidance on the rights of children and young people in care
- liaise informally with our office to provide feedback on practical issues affecting the implementation of rights
- join wider discussions, as opportunities arise, about the effectiveness of the Charter and the promotion of children’s rights
- advise our office if the Charter Champion changes and pass on information and ongoing tasks to the new Champion.
We will provide the Champion with:
- free information, advice, practical support and resources
- an opportunity for the Champion to provide feedback about their thoughts, ideas and challenges of being a Champion
- updates on matters affecting children’s rights, the Charter and the work of our Office
- invitations to workshops or events about rights related matters.
