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 01983 821000 ext. 6841 or email [email protected]
Join #TeamIWC 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)
To discover more about our careers please visit Jobs and careers - Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight Council currently does not have a license to sponsor overseas workers.
We actively promote the diversity of our workforce, and provide flexible working options (where appropriate) to support the different needs of our employees. We are an equal opportunities employer, proud to encourage applications from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to better reflect the diversity within our local community.
We are a Disability Confident employer. Along with a number of commitments, this means, providing you meet the basic essential requirements of the advertised role and have declared yourself as disabled, you will be offered an opportunity for an interview within the council.
The Isle of Wight Council protects its employees from discrimination, and this is supported by;
unacceptable behaviour policy
employee code of conduct
The Isle of Wight Council’s Terms & Conditions of employment are available upon request. Please contact our recruitment team via [email protected] if you would like to receive a copy.
The Isle of Wight Council reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than stated, if required. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your application promptly.
Please note, appointment to a regulated role will require you to provide additional personal details, including full employment history, referee information, and consent for any required safeguarding checks, as part of the Council’s commitment to safer recruitment and compliance with regulatory requirements.
This council and its schools recruit according to the council’s Recruitment, Policy and Procedure and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.
For support completing your online application or for further information on how to apply, phone 01983 823134 or email [email protected]. Only applications submitted online by the closing date will be accepted.
We often receive a high volume of applicants for our vacancies. If you do not hear from the recruiting manager within three weeks of the closing date, we regret that your application will not have been successful on this occasion. Please revisit our job page for alternate posts that may be suitable.
