Interview: Fizzing with potential - Charlotte Baker, young person'svoice and influence worker, Telford Council

"My job title is young person's voice and influence worker," saysCharlotte Baker. "And I'm here to give a voice to the youth of theborough and pass their opinions to my superiors."

A-levels over, Baker decided not to go to university immediately.

"I needed a year out to decide what degree, if any, I might take. Also,the thought of debt seems overwhelming," said Baker, who has a historyof community support work. She only saw the position advertised thenight before the deadline: "It was a bit of a rush to apply, but I feltI wanted a chance to give something back to Telford."

Shortlisted from the 43 applicants to the final five, Charlotte'spresentation at interview was particularly creative. Sarah Stembridge,the council's children and young people's active involvement manager,explains: "She talked about young people as a can of drink, stating thatit doesn't matter what's inside, all flavours are different, but thatall young people have fizz and potential that should be recognised andbuilt on by the people that work with them."