ipswich Work Opportunities ∙ Page 2

Suffolk County Council

Address: Countywide - Base to be agreed - Hybrid and Community based working

Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Hours: 37 hours per week - flexible working options available 

Contract: Permanent

We’re building a brand-new Family Group Conference (FGC) team within Children and Young People Services (CYP) — a bold step forward as part of the Department for Education’s Family First Partnership Programme. This is your chance to join from the ground up and help shape a service that puts families at the heart of decision-making.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities  

You will: 

• champion the rights of children and families to have their voices heard and to be part of their own solutions and safety planning, with the child remaining at the centre of decision making
• champion FGC and its key principles within CYP and with our partner agencies, so that FGCs become integrated within the ‘child’s journey’ at key decision points in the lives of vulnerable children in Suffolk
• be part of developing the vision for the service and ensure FGCs are used as an effective preventative service
• co-ordinate and facilitate FGCs, being the key contact with the family to create a family plan 
• work closely with frontline children’s teams to deliver integrated support and support the upskilling of wider teams (not formal training) to deepen their knowledge of family networks and family group decision making
• be responsible for keeping accurate and timely records of work with children, young people and families and writing relevant reports using electronic or other systems as directed
• be responsible for recognising and appropriately responding to safeguarding and risk issues 
• organise and manage your own workload
• offer face to face, telephone and written support and information as appropriate to role.   

You will need  

• a strong commitment to the Family Group Conference (FGC) model and its principles
• experience facilitating Family Network Meetings or FGCs
• knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and statutory frameworks
• proven ability to engage effectively with children, families, and professionals
• excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse identities and needs
• flexibility to work evenings/weekends as required
• a full driving licence and ability to travel across Suffolk and beyond.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.  

The team  

This is a newly formed Family Group Conference team that we are establishing within CYP, following the criteria set out by the Department for Education as part of the Family First Partnership Programme. 

Led by a County Safeguarding Manager, the team will include a dedicated Team Manager, six passionate FGC Coordinators (Grade 5), and expert business support. Together, we’ll deliver a high-quality, family-led service that empowers families to create their own solutions and achieve lasting, meaningful outcomes. 

Empowering Everyone  

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report. 

For more information  

Please contact Caren Russell she/her for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 263605 or emailing [email protected] 

How to apply 

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (word)

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.  

How have you promoted or implemented family lead decision making approaches in your work? What impact did this have on outcomes for children and families?

Give an example of a situation where you identified a safeguarding concern during your work with a family. What actions did you take, and what was the outcome?

This is a new countywide team where you will be responsible for managing your caseload, setting up meetings, keeping good records and providing reports within timescales. How do you go about this in your current role? Tell us about a situation when you have had to balance competing priorities

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [email protected] or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process. 

Closing date: 11.30pm, 14 September 2025.

Interview date: 22 or 24 September 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #Hybrid.

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