Family Group Decision Making Practice Lead

Family Group Decision Making Practice Lead

Contract type Permanent

Hours Full-time

Department Children’s Services

Salary Grade 11, £44,209 to £47,107 per annum

Contact Anna Clarke on ext. 6841 or

Reference

Location County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight

37 hours per week

This role is office-based; however, it also offers some agile or remote working

Creating Change Together:
Transforming Children's Lives.

Are you passionate about keeping children safely within their family networks? Do you believe that families hold the solutions to many of the challenges they face? If so, we have a rare and exciting opportunity to lead one of the most important areas of practice development within Children's Services on the Isle of Wight.

At the Isle of Wight Council, we are committed to creating strong, thriving families and communities. We are investing in Family Group Decision Making as a cornerstone of our Families First approach, and we're looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and innovative practitioner to help us make this vision a reality.

As our Family Group Decision Making Practice Lead, you will be at the forefront of transforming practice across Children's Services. You'll lead the development and implementation of our Family Group Decision Making offer, Family Network Support Packages and Network Meetings for care experienced young people.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership, workforce development and direct practice. You will:

• Lead and champion Family Group Decision Making across Children's Services and the Safeguarding Children Partnership.
• Design and deliver training using a "train the trainer" model, building confidence and expertise across the workforce.
• Coach, mentor and support practitioners to embed high-quality practice.
• Facilitate complex Family Group Decision Making and Network Meetings for children and families facing significant challenges, including those involved in Public Law proceedings and reunification journeys.
• Influence service development, quality assurance and practice improvement across the organisation.
• Work creatively with children, young people, families and wider support networks to achieve meaningful and sustainable change.

We're seeking a skilled and motivated professional who combines strong practice expertise with the ability to inspire and develop others.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience working directly with children, young people and families.
• A strong understanding of children's social care legislation and practice.
• Experience of partnership working across agencies and services.
• Excellent facilitation, mediation and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence in leading change, developing training and implementing new ways of working.
• The ability to analyse information, evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement.

You may be an experienced Social Worker, Practice Educator, Family Group Decision Making Coordinator, Practice Lead or Manager looking for your next challenge and a chance to leave a lasting legacy.

The Isle of Wight Children Services strongly believes in prevention and early intervention, creating change with children and families and practitioners. Central to this is a culture of psychological safety, hearing and valuing everyone’s voice and contribution.

This role is more than a job, it is an opportunity to help shape the future of children’s services at a moment of transformative change.

On the Isle of Wight, you'll find:

Be part of a service where your ideas, expertise and leadership can directly influence practice and improve outcomes for children and families.

Work alongside passionate and ambitious colleagues who are committed to learning, innovation and excellence. You’ll have the opportunity to lead and support meaningful change across the children services system.

Enjoy the benefits of agile working and the ability to achieve a healthier balance between your professional and personal life.

The Isle of Wight offers miles of stunning coastline, beautiful countryside, award-winning beaches and…