Family Group Conference Service
The Family Group Conference Service help children and families explore who in their network of wider family, friends and community might be able to offer the support necessary to improve children’s safety and wellbeing so that they can remain in the care of their family.
A Family Group Conference (FGC) is voluntary and gives families a chance to get together with their family members, friends and community to come up with a plan to make things better for their children. A Family Group Conference is often suggested when there are important decisions to be made about the care or safety of children. We receive referrals from Social Care and Early Help with the consent of the parent or carer.
We work in a family led way and are creative in trying to find the way of working that fits best with the individual needs of each family. Everything that we do is in person, and we give the time needed to enable all children and family members to be listened to and share their thoughts and views. An essential for any Family Group Conference is for the family to hear what is going well and where their strengths lie.
When planning the FGC we always consider individual needs and the venue, time and date are chosen by the family. This careful preparation helps to ensure everyone feels they are heard and well prepared for the Family Group Conference and enables the family to create realistic plans for the children.
Where we're based
Our team is based on the ground floor in Edinburgh House, Coronation Square, Cheltenham.
We work countywide, so you may also find us hotdesking in other localities: Stroud, Gloucester, Forest of Dean, Cotswolds and Tewkesbury.
The area local to our base is served by some great amenities such as a bakers, charity shops and a pharmacy. There are a couple of parks close by, if you want to have a walk during the day.
Who we are
Our team of Family Group Conference Coordinators is made up of individuals with a range of previous life and work experiences. This includes social workers, nurses, family support workers, youth justice, early years, mainstream and SEND education. Our experienced supervisors support and mentor newer members of the team and we share skills and experiences in regular supervision and team development meetings to ensure that we are doing our best for families in Gloucestershire.
Skills you'll need
Skills required to join the team are excellent communication skills which includes the ability to listen well and understand the diversity of a family's lived experiences without judgment.
Being able to build relationships with children and families in difficult circumstances and remaining child centred to help families find their strengths and make changes for the better. An interest and understanding of working in a relational way.
Other valuable skills include compassion, empathy, active listening and a curiosity to want to know more will help in understanding a family’s story.
Why you should join us
It’s a privilege to be in a position as an independent team to work with families in the way that we do. Being family led means that the relationships we build with family members are often based around trust, compassion and shared understanding.
The team itself has always offered a sense of safety and security, not only because we make efforts as a team to come together and build on our existing relationships, but also because we have a senior management team who are supportive, approachable and inclusive to all.
The team is welcoming and supportive, and it is a privilege to work alongside all the families and other Children’s Services professionals in Gloucestershire. If you want to work in a family led, strengths-based environment than the FGC team is the place for you!
Get in touch
We'd love to tell you more.
✉ Email: CSWrecruitment@gloucestershire.gov.uk