Promoting quality standards in FGC training and service delivery
Family Rights Group is driving consistent quality standards in the delivery of family group conference practice. We do this through:
An accreditation scheme for family group conference services
Promoting quality - supporting a framework for accrediting family group conference services
We are driving consistent quality standards across FGC services. We are doing this by administering a framework for the accreditation of family group conference services. The development of the framework was funded by Department for Education.
The purposes of the FGC quality standards framework are:
- To ensure consistent, high standards are applied across local FGC services so that children and families offered an FGC fully benefit from the efficacy of the approach.
- To raise the credibility and consequently the use and commissioning of FGCs services amongst policy makers and commissioners.
- To increase the use of FGCs in planning for vulnerable children, enabling them to remain safely within their family networks, where possible and strengthening the positive relationships of those who cannot live with their parents.
The first two years (2011-13)
A standards framework was agreed under the direction of a development group with representation from all regional FGC networks. This framework was trialed in 15 local FGC services.
This work was independently evaluated by Dr Louise Brown, University of Bath, and a detailed business assessment was undertaken which proposed a costs framework for the roll out nationally of the accreditation framework which aimed to be affordable and sustainable. This work was presented at a national conference where there was widespread agreement to take this forward.
Taking forward the accreditation framework
We have been successfully running the accreditation programme since 2013. All FGC services are welcome to apply to become accredited. All FGC services who are accredited need to apply to be reaccredited after three years.
This comprehensive guidance document sets out the standards framework; what FGC services need to do to meet the standards; how to submit a portfolio of evidence, the process of assessment and the fee structure. It also provides information about reaccreditation.
If you manage an FGC service and are interested in it becoming accredited or having your service reaccredited email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Delivering a three day training course for new FGC coordinators
Find out about course objectives and upcoming course dates and costs here.
Offering consultancy and bespoke training to local authorities and agencies setting up or developing their FGC service
We also offer consultancy support to local authorities that do not have an FGCs service, to assist them to set up or commission an FGC service which meets the accreditation standards or to expand their service. This can be planned to meet your individual service’s needs. There is a fee for this. We also provide bespoke training that can be specially commissioned. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if interested.
Jointly delivering with the University of Salford a Post Graduate Certificate in Co-ordinating Family Group Conferences
Family Rights Group and the University of Salford are now offering a post graduate certificate in ‘Family Group Conferences’ starting in September 2019.
This one year distance learning course will enable students to:
- Develop a critical understanding of FGC research, theory and practice
- Work with experienced FGC practitioners and leading academics
- Gain a professional qualification in social care practice
Family Rights Group in 2005 developed a post graduate certificate in ‘Coordinating Family Group Conferences’ in partnership with the University of Chester. We have built on the learning from this to develop this new course with the University of Salford. Lecturers at the University of Salford have many years of practice experience in FGCs and a long-standing relationships with Family Rights Group.
This course consists of two modules of 30 credits at Level 7. The first module is assessed by tutors from the Family Rights Group and the second by lecturers at the Department of Social Work at the University of Salford. The course overall will be administered by the University of Salford.
The fees for the course are £2460 which is payable in up to five installments to the University.
Module one: An Introduction to FGC Practice
During this module you will:
- Develop a conceptual understanding of FGC practice.
- Critically apply social work ethical principles and Health and Care Professions Council values to guide your professional practice.
- Critically evaluate current research and theory in FGC practice.
Module two: Developing a Critical Understanding of FGCs
This module give you the opportunity to:
- Critically examine your own practice.
- Demonstrate your professional capability in direct work with users of social care services.
For more information about the course including how to apply please visit Salford University's website here.