The Participation Team are part of Devon County Council’s Children’s Services. Some of the team you might see lots, and others of the team you might see less of.
If you have a general enquiry, please email participation@devon.gov.uk.
Claire Richardson
Team Leader
📧 claire.richardson@devon.gov.uk
📞 07866 134427
I’m Claire, the participation team leader, and I have the privilege of leading this amazing team of participation workers. Having worked as a grassroots youth worker for most of my life, I am passionate about breaking down the stereotypes and prejudices about young people that are often thrown around our society and media. This job offers a wonderful opportunity to do just that by empowering young people to find their voice and campaign for change! When not at work, I like to be outdoors in our wonderful Devon countryside or just chilling at home with a good book!
Amy Bickford
Senior Participation Worker
📧 amy.bickford@devon.gov.uk
📞 01392 383000
Hi, I’m Amy and I oversee the SEND participation team. Our aim is to make sure that what young people have to say gets to decision makers, so that they know what is important to protect and what they need to change. My work involves creating opportunities for young people to be involved in strategy and co-production across Devon County Council. I love working with children and young people, especially when I can support them to make a difference because of something that they believe in. I feel that absolutely everyone has a right to be heard no matter their age.
Lizz Williams
Senior Participation Worker
📧 elizabeth.williams@devon.gov.uk
📞 07891 512344
Hi, I’m Lizz, and I’m the Participation Lead for all things SUSU. I support our participation workers and help oversee all the amazing projects we’re involved in, making sure our work reflects what care-experienced young people want and need. One of my biggest passions is supporting young people to have a voice and speak out, especially those whose views and experiences aren’t always heard. That’s why I’ve worked across the Participation Team for over 15 years. I live on the edge of Dartmoor, so when I get the chance, I enjoy getting outside and walking on the moor with a good audiobook or podcast.
Ella Baker
Participation Worker
📧 ella.baker@devon.gov.uk
📞 07866 134422
Hey, I am Ella. As part of my role, I run monthly children in care and care leaver groups, and I also help organise countywide events like the Children in Care Awards and Takeover Day. My favourite part of the role is getting to know you guys and supporting you to get your voice heard! Away from work, I love to spend time with my family and friends, getting takeaways and shopping!
Joel Ramsay
Participation Worker
📧 joel.ramsay@devon.gov.uk
📞 07977 342943
Hello! I’m Joel. I work with care-experienced young people and give them the platform to have their say and make a difference. Before this, I worked in a children’s home for a year and in a care leavers supported living accommodation for a year. My favourite part of my role is meeting inspirational young people and helping them in any way I can. I love football and play four times a week and watch it and any given opportunity!
Marcus Jonker
Participation Worker
📧 marcus.jonker@devon.gov.uk
📞 07890 986474
Hi, I’m Marcus. Before this role I worked in various youth work roles, and I have also worked as a PA. My favourite thing about working with young people is that I get to meet lots of incredible individuals with interesting things to say. Sharing your experiences and helping you make changes for the better is what drives me. I really like football and my favourite team is Atletico Madrid. I also really like to BBQ – there’s nothing better than sitting in the sun (normally rain) and sharing food with my friends and family.
Shirin Khastar
Participation Worker
📧 shirin.khastar@devon.gov.uk
📞 07773 954421
Hi, my name is Shirin and I am a participation worker. I facilitate the Champions for Change group who are an inspiring group of young people who work together to address issues that impact children and young people. I am passionate about ensuring we have a creative and flexible offer that enables more young people to share their views and influence services, this has led to our Seldom Heard Project. I enjoy listening to young people’s ideas and feel privileged to work alongside them. When I’m not at work I enjoy walking with my dog on the beach and eating home-made cakes!
Tom Carter
Comms and Marketing Officer
Hello! I’m Tom, the team’s communications and marketing officer. I look after our websites, and I’m also responsible for the team’s social media and finding creative new ways to communicate – so get in touch if you’ve got great ideas about how we can improve what we do. Away from work I love cooking, travelling and most sports but mainly football (although not as much as Joel likes football). I like to get away from screens as much as possible, so I like explore the moors, towns and beaches too.
Kodey Cooper-O’Donnell
Junior Comms and Marketing Officer
📧 kodey.cooperodonnell@devon.gov.uk
Hi – I’m Kodey. I’m the junior comms and marketing officer, mainly working on a lot of the designs that you see on our social media, this website, and the print products you may see when working with us! Sometimes you will see me at events, where I’ll often be rushing around trying to get photos for Instagram or filming videos! I’m also a care leaver, so the changes being made here mean a lot to me! Outside of work, I mostly play games like Minecraft or random indie projects, but I also draw and 3D model sometimes!