Relational and Restorative Practice Lead

Job Introduction Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as it’s geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive.

We are fully committed to equal opportunities and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

About the Role Supported by BCFT's Senior Leadership Team, this pivotal role will champion and embed relational and restorative practice as the foundation of our organisational culture. Working across operational, strategic and enabling services, the postholder will help create a consistent approach that places relationships at the heart of everything we do.

Our ambition is for relational and restorative practice to be the golden thread that runs throughout BCFT, shaping how we work with children and families, how we supervise and make decisions, how we collaborate with one another, and how we drive continuous improvement and quality assurance.

To achieve this vision and improve outcomes for children and families, the postholder will work closely with colleagues across the Trust, leading practical, hands-on improvement activity that strengthens relationships, builds capability, and embeds lasting cultural change.

Our strategic vision and values  are upheld across the Trust, fostering a reliable and supportive environment for both staff and the children in our care.

Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships with children, families, and professionals.

You’ll also:

Lead and embed relational and restorative practice across children's social work, ensuring relationships are at the heart of all practice.

Support practitioners, managers, and leaders to strengthen the quality, consistency, and impact of relationship-based approaches with children, young people, and families.

Drive sustainable culture change, working with colleagues to embed relational and restorative principles across teams, services, and partnerships.

Identify barriers and co-produce solutions that support the successful implementation of relational and restorative practice.

Champion reflective practice and learning, facilitating forums, reviews, restorative conversations, and development opportunities that promote continuous improvement.

Support leaders and managers to model relational behaviours and create safe, inclusive, reflective, and psychologically safe team cultures.

Collaborate with People and Talent teams to design and deliver learning and development that strengthens relational practice and organisational culture.

Evaluate and demonstrate impact, using learning, feedback, audits, inspections, and reviews to evidence improvements in practice, workforce experience, and outcomes for children and families.

Translate learning into action, co-producing practical improvements that strengthen relationships, enhance practice quality, and deliver meaningful change.

To be successful in this role you will need:

Education & Knowledge Knowledge of relational and restorative practice and its impact on children, families, and the workforce.

Understanding of safeguarding, children's services, and continuous improvement.

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work, Education, Psychology, Health, or a related field.

Experience Experience working within children's services, education, health, or a related sector.

Experience embedding relational and restorative approaches and supporting culture change.

Experience working collaboratively across teams, services, and partnerships.

Experience facilitating learning, coaching, and reflective practice.

Skills & Abilities Strong relationship-building, influencing, and communication skills.

Ability to support practice improvement and translate vision into meaningful action.

Ability to provide constructive challenge and facilitate reflective learning.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reflective skills.

You’ll also be joining an organisation that truly values its…