Family Group Conference Manager

6 months contract with a local authority

Summary

• This 6-month contract role with a local authority is designed to provide strategic and operational leadership for the Family Group Conferencing (FGC) service. The position is crucial in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, family-led decision-making approaches within Children’s Social Care. The focus is on empowering families to create safe, sustainable plans for children, thereby improving outcomes through early intervention, safeguarding, and care prevention.
  

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and expand the Family Group Conferencing service within the organization.
  
• Integrate restorative, strengths-based, and family-led approaches into service delivery.
  
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in family-led decision-making practices.
  
• Promote Family Group Conferencing across Children’s Services and broader partnerships.
  
• Oversee the delivery of Family Group Conferencing, Family Mediation, and Family Network Meetings.
  
• Ensure services adhere to high national standards and meet performance targets.
  
• Manage complex casework and provide guidance on high-risk situations.
  
• Lead and support a skilled team, ensuring effective performance and professional development.
  

Essential Experience

• Significant experience working with children, families, and safeguarding systems.
  
• Experience in Family Group Conferencing, mediation, or restorative practices.
  
• Proven experience managing complex, high-risk, and high-conflict situations.
  
• Experience leading teams and managing staff performance.
  
• Experience working in multi-agency partnerships and developing services.
  

Essential Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification in social work, youth work, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  
• Evidence of continuous professional development in safeguarding, leadership, or restorative practice.
  

Additional Information

• Working hours: 37 hours per week.
  
• Enhanced DBS required.
  
• Location: Ballard House, West Hoe Road, West Hoe, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3BJ, United Kingdom.
  
• Work pattern: 2 days remote, 3 days in the office.
  
• Bi-weekly schedule.
  
• Application deadline: 10th June 2026, apply ASAP.