Family Group Conference Convenor

Job Details

At Sandwell Children's Trust, we firmly believe that the voice of the child should be at the centre of everything we do. We are on an ambitious journey to ensure that children and families in Sandwell are safe and empowered to thrive.

Our ‘Sandwell Deal’, brings together our new improved offering that make Sandwell Children’s Trust a great place to work; it also sets out our expectations of you as a member of staff.

What we can offer you:-

• Generous annual leave of up to 31 days, plus 5 additional days for long service recognition.
• Your birthday off paid in addition to annual leave entitlement and 8 Bank Holidays, plus a concessionary day at Christmas.
• You will receive a generous local government career average pension scheme with employer contributions of 21.6%.
• We recognise individual loyalty with service awards from 2, 5, 10 and every 5 years onwards.
• Flexible working patterns that suit you and all of our roles have well-defined career progression.
• We provide competitive expenses for both mileage (55p per mile) and subsistence, plus access to a comprehensive employee benefits scheme.

Please visit The Sandwell Deal via this hyperlink

https://sandwelldeal.co.uk/

Band E SCP 18 - 25 (£31,537 - £36,363 per annum) dependent upon experience

Hours - 37 per week

12 months fixed term contract

We are seeking a dedicated, passionate and skilled Family Group Conferencing Convenor to join our Family Group Conferencing Service. This role will focus on supporting and testing new approaches to Family-Led Decision Making as part of the Families First Programme.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families by facilitating Family Group Conferences that empower families to make informed decisions about their future.

About the Service

The FGC Service works with families across Sandwell to help them plan and make decisions for children who may be at risk. We bring together the child’s family and extended network to create a safe care plan—developed by the family and supported by our team in partnership with other agencies.

About the Role

Sandwell Children’s Trust is seeking a Family Group Conference Convenor on a 12-month temporary basis to help test Family-Led Decision Making linked to the Families First Programme. The role requires flexibility, including occasional evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of our diverse community.

As an FGC Convenor, you will act as an independent and neutral facilitator, planning, coordinating, and chairing Family Group Conferences and reviews. You will work closely with children, families, and professionals to ensure meetings are inclusive, respectful, and focused on achieving positive outcomes for children.

Why Join Us?

At Sandwell Children’s Trust, we are committed to improving outcomes for children and families. You will be part of a supportive team that values innovation, diversity, and professional development.

• Be at the forefront of national reform in children’s social care.
• Work in a supportive, forward-thinking and thriving environment.
• Opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

What We’re Looking For

You will need to demonstrate:

• A degree or equivalent professional qualification in health, education, social care, or a related field; or significant relevant experience in a childcare setting.
• Experience in childcare/Children’s Services.
• Experience in family work and/or group facilitation.
• Skills in mediation, negotiation, and facilitation with individuals and groups.
• Knowledge of the Children Act and other relevant legislation to support to role.
• Understanding of family dynamics and processes.
• Awareness of issues such as substance misuse, child abuse, domestic violence, youth offending, and other child welfare concerns.
• Sensitivity to culturally diverse communities and a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.
• Resilience, diplomacy and confidence in chairing large meetings.
• Organisational and communication skills

To apply please click on the link below to complete an application form and view the Sandwell Deal:-

https://sandwelldeal.co.uk/apply/

Sandwell Children's Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups including children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children and young people.

If you require further information on the role or working for us please email [contact hidden] and a member of our Recruitment Team will be happy to give you a call.

Company

At Sandwell Children’s Trust we strive for excellence to improve the lives of children.  To achieve this, we know how important it is to retain and attract high performing, forward thinking and innovative people and provide them with all the support they need.

With a culture of collaboration, partnership working and the child at the heart of everything we do, it really is an exciting time to join Sandwell Children’s Trust.

Working for us

There are lots of great reasons to work with us in Sandwell Children’s Trust.  From a generous rewards package to a culture of learning and development.  Our 12 reasons to work for Sandwell Children’s Trust sets us apart as the place to grow your career and feel part of a great team.  Please visit the Sandwell Deal and our 12 reasons via this hyperlink:  https://sandwelldeal.co.uk/

There are many benefits for working for us too:

• Flexible working patterns that suit you and all of our roles have well-defined career progression.
• Access to our Learning & Development portal offering virtual training programmes, learning & development info bursts, learning events and much more.
• The latest technology enabling more effective and streamlined working.
• Detailed and effective appraisals to strengthen your practice.
• Access to a range of family friendly policies.

Benefits & Rewards

• Up to £6,500 re-location package
• Generous annual leave entitlement, plus 5 additional days for long service recognition.
• The opportunity to purchase up to 10 days additional holiday through our salary sacrifice scheme.
• Your birthday off paid in addition to annual leave entitlement and 8 bank holidays, plus a concessionary day at Christmas.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, this is a nationwide career average scheme with employer contributions of 21.6%.
• We recognise individual loyalty with service awards from 2, 5, 10 and every 5 years onwards.
• Reimbursement of Social Work England registration
• 24/7 access to free and confidential employee counselling service
• Access to a range of discounts on products and services
• Salary sacrifice schemes for cars, bikes and technology.
• Refer a friend scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives and forums
• Discounted gym membership
• Eye care vouchers

About Sandwell

Sandwell sits in the heart of the West Midlands and has a diverse population of 341,729 people.  While Sandwell is the 12th most deprived local authority in England, it is a community where our families have high aspirations and where we pride ourselves on equality of opportunity and our adaptability and resilience.

We have excellent and affordable transport links, quality housing at affordable prices and an abundance of entertainment, arts, culture and history right on the doorstep.

For all recruitment enquiries please email [contact hidden] and one of our friendly team will call you to discuss opportunities with the Trust.