Family Group Conference Practitioner

Lincolnshire County Council; Greater Lincolnshire; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Greater Lincolnshire is seeking a passionate Family Group Conference Practitioner to facilitate family meetings, guiding families to create safe plans for their children. Candidates should possess a degree or equivalent NVQ Level Four, strong communication skills, and an understanding of family dynamics. This full-time role offers a hybrid working arrangement.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to convene and chair sensitive meetings.
• Clear understanding of the Children Act 1989 and child protection procedures.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, especially with children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate Family Group Conferences with families.
• Guide families through the planning process and document outcomes.
• Empower families to develop their own solutions.

Skills

Facilitation of Family Conferences

Communication skills

Understanding of family dynamics

Education

Degree level education or NVQ Level Four

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a passionate and skilled Family Group Conference (FGC) Practitioner to join our countywide service in Lincolnshire. This full-time, permanent position is based in the East Lindsey locality.

Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements of RQF Level 6.

Our high-performing team is a key part of our core offering, working across Family Help, Family Assessment Support Teams (FAST), Children in Care (CiC) Teams, and Leaving Care. We are committed to improving outcomes for children and families through a restorative and relational approach. This is a great opportunity to contribute to a service that values innovation, collaboration, and empowering families.

Responsibilities

• Be an impartial facilitator for Family Group Conferences, helping families create their own plans for the safety and well-being of their children.
• Bring together a family’s network—including parents, children, grandparents, other trusted relatives, or friends—and relevant professionals (e.g., Social Workers and Early Help Workers).
• Guide the group through a structured process that includes a private, uninterrupted discussion and help the family identify strengths and resources.
• Support the family to design a plan that keeps children safe, supported, and cared for.
• Manage the entire FGC process from initial referral to final plan, including preparing the family, inviting key members, and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.
• Empower the family to find their own solutions rather than making decisions for them.
• Document the plan after the meeting and provide a copy to all participants.
• Help strengthen family bonds and build a sustainable support network through effective facilitation.

What We’re Looking For

• Educated to a degree level, NVQ Level Four, or equivalent.
• Proven ability to convene and chair sensitive meetings in a way that achieves positive outcomes.
• Clear understanding of the Children Act 1989, current social care practices, and child protection procedures.
• Demonstrable ability to work effectively with families and statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Knowledge and understanding of family dynamics.
• Ability to deliver services within an equal opportunities framework.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, especially with children and young people, and excellent report writing skills.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you’ve read the job description and would like to discuss this opportunity further, please reach out to one of our Family Group Conference Coordinators:

Liam Bramall: [e-mail] or 07919 166127
Kim Lyon: [e-mail] or 07919 013401

Closing date: 22th October 2025. Interviews: TBC

Important Information Before You Apply

This position may require a criminal record check.

We strongly advise all candidates to read the attached job information pack before applying.

We reserve the right to close the advertisement early if we receive a large number of applications, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

Unsuccessful candidates may be considered for similar positions for up to three months.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Due to recent changes in UK immigration law, this role does not meet the requirements for skilled worker visa sponsorship.

In accordance with the Immigration Act 2016, the ability to converse with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for this post.

Other Information

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will have a nominated contractual work base and will be required to commute to this base when necessary. Hybrid working arrangements will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment enable remote connection and collaboration. You should have good connectivity; support with this can be discussed during the recruitment process.

Fluency Duty: In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.