I am a unit manager at a secure care centre and was interested to read the recent article on the participation of children in interviews for school staff (28 July-3 August, p20-21).

At St John's Secure Care we have involved children in staff selection for several years. Interviewees for all levels of post are interviewed by two panels: one comprising senior staff and managers, the second made up of representatives from the young people in residence, supervised by a member of staff.

The young people devise their own questions (vetted!) and provide written and verbal feedback to the adult panel. Often the perceptions of the young people are in line with those of the adults. Confidentiality and discretion are maintained and the results of the adult panel are not discussed in detail with the young people. Only a candidate's good points are debated with them.

Young people from the secure home have also been involved in interview panels for staff outside the home, such as Northamptonshire County Council's children's rights officer and substance misuse counsellor.

Jane Heynes, unit manager, St John's Secure Care, Tiffield, Northamptonshire.