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 2026_1914

Location County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight

Closing date 30 July 2026

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.

About the Role

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.

Who We're Looking For

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.

Why Join the Isle of Wight Council?

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:

Meaningful Impact

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

Professional Growth

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.

Work-Life Balance

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

A Remarkable Place to Live

The Isle of Wight offers miles of stunning coastline, beautiful countryside, award-winning beaches and outdoor activities right on your doorstep. Whether you're seeking family life, outdoor adventure or a slower pace of living, the Island offers a lifestyle that is hard to match.

Imagine finishing your working day and being minutes away from coastal walks, sailing, cycling routes, open countryside and spectacular sunsets.

Be Part of Something Special

If you're ready to champion family-led solutions, develop outstanding practice and help create lasting change for and with children, young people and families, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us and help make the Isle of Wight the best place for children to grow up, thrive and succeed.

Apply today and help shape the future of Family Group Decision Making on the Isle of Wight.

Interviews planned 7th August, 2026

For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Anna Clarke on ext. 6841 or email

Join and you'll receive our staff benefits package, including:

• Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!

• Local Government pension scheme

• Discounted Solent ferry travel

• Island bus network discount

• Cycle to work scheme

• Staff parking permit scheme

• Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership

• National and local discounts & benefits schemes

• Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)

• Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)

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