Oxfordshire County Council

Independent Family Group Conference & Lifelong Links Coordinator

The closing date is 12 March 2026

Job summary

About Us Are you passionate about empowering children, young people, and families to create meaningful and lasting change? Do you believe in the power of family led decision making? If so, this rewarding role could be your next step. About the Role We are expanding our Family Group Conferencing Service as part of Oxfordshires Families First initiative. As an Independent FGC & Lifelong Links Coordinator, you will play a vital role in helping families come together, develop their own bespoke solutions, and strengthen relationships that support children now and into the future. This is a unique opportunity to work creatively and independently, engaging with families from all backgrounds and supporting them through challenging but transformative conversations. You will support with the following: Facilitating Family Group Conferences and Lifelong Links meetings that place families at the heart of planning. Working directly with children, young people, extended family members and their professional network. Helping identify and build lifelong connections for children who may be isolated or at risk. Managing meetings in an inclusive, empowering way - ensuring every voice is heard. Maintaining accurate case records and contributing to service development and research. Working flexibly across Oxfordshire, independently managing your caseload and time. About you Were looking for someone who is: Experienced in childrens social care or related settings. Confident in group facilitation and managing complex family dynamics. Skilled in engaging children and young people in meaningful participation. Highly organised, self motivated and able to work autonomously. Committed to restorative, relational and solution focused practice. Able to work flexibly, sometimes in the evenings or at weekends. A car user with business insurance (due to travel across the county). Experience in mediation, advocacy, restorative practice or Family Group Conferencing is beneficial, but not essential - we will invest in your ongoing learning and development. Rewards and benefits Relocation expenses of up to £8,000 A good to outstanding OFSTED rating Regular training opportunities A flexible, agile organisation A generous local government pension scheme 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays Culture of flexible working Technology to support agile working where role permits Option to buy additional holiday 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employers contribution of up to 19.9% Enhanced family friendly policies Local and national discounts for shopping and travel Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Annelies Henshall, Principal Social Worker: Annelies.Henshall@oxfordshire.gov.uk or Sharon Peart, Team Manager for Family Group Conferencing: Sharon.Peart@oxfordshire.gov.uk Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all. Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service. Our commitment to: Safeguarding Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments. Our commitment to: Flexible Working We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. Follow us on Social Media Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Main duties of the job

About Us Are you passionate about empowering children, young people, and families to create meaningful and lasting change? Do you believe in the power of family led decision making? If so, this rewarding role could be your next step. About the Role We are expanding our Family Group Conferencing Service as part of Oxfordshires Families First initiative. As an Independent FGC & Lifelong Links Coordinator, you will play a vital role in helping families come together, develop their own bespoke solutions, and strengthen relationships that support children now and into the future. This is a unique opportunity to work creatively and independently, engaging with families from all backgrounds and supporting them through challenging but transformative conversations. You will support with the following: Facilitating Family Group Conferences and Lifelong Links meetings that place families at the heart of planning. Working directly with children, young people, extended family members and their professional network. Helping identify and build lifelong connections for children who may be isolated or at risk. Managing meetings in an inclusive, empowering way - ensuring every voice is heard. Maintaining accurate case records and contributing to service development and research. Working flexibly across Oxfordshire, independently managing your caseload and time. About you Were looking for someone who is: Experienced in childrens social care or related settings. Confident in group facilitation and managing complex family dynamics. Skilled in engaging children and young people in meaningful participation. Highly organised, self motivated and able to work autonomously. Committed to restorative, relational and solution focused practice. Able to work flexibly, sometimes in the evenings or at weekends. A car user with business insurance (due to travel across the county). Experience in mediation, advocacy, restorative practice or Family Group Conferencing is beneficial, but not essential - we will invest in your ongoing learning and development. Rewards and benefits Relocation expenses of up to £8,000 A good to outstanding OFSTED rating Regular training opportunities A flexible, agile organisation A generous local government pension scheme 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays Culture of flexible working Technology to support agile working where role permits Option to buy additional holiday 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employers contribution of up to 19.9% Enhanced family friendly policies Local and national discounts for shopping and travel Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Annelies Henshall, Principal Social Worker: Annelies.Henshall@oxfordshire.gov.uk or Sharon Peart, Team Manager for Family Group Conferencing: Sharon.Peart@oxfordshire.gov.uk Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all. Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service. Our commitment to: Safeguarding Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments. Our commitment to: Flexible Working We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. Follow us on Social Media Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About us

About Us Are you passionate about empowering children, young people, and families to create meaningful and lasting change? Do you believe in the power of family led decision making? If so, this rewarding role could be your next step. About the Role We are expanding our Family Group Conferencing Service as part of Oxfordshires Families First initiative. As an Independent FGC & Lifelong Links Coordinator, you will play a vital role in helping families come together, develop their own bespoke solutions, and strengthen relationships that support children now and into the future. This is a unique opportunity to work creatively and independently, engaging with families from all backgrounds and supporting them through challenging but transformative conversations. You will support with the following: Facilitating Family Group Conferences and Lifelong Links meetings that place families at the heart of planning. Working directly with children, young people, extended family members and their professional network. Helping identify and build lifelong connections for children who may be isolated or at risk. Managing meetings in an inclusive, empowering way - ensuring every voice is heard. Maintaining accurate case records and contributing to service development and research. Working flexibly across Oxfordshire, independently managing your caseload and time. About you Were looking for someone who is: Experienced in childrens social care or related settings. Confident in group facilitation and managing complex family dynamics. Skilled in engaging children and young people in meaningful participation. Highly organised, self motivated and able to work autonomously. Committed to restorative, relational and solution focused practice. Able to work flexibly, sometimes in the evenings or at weekends. A car user with business insurance (due to travel across the county). Experience in mediation, advocacy, restorative practice or Family Group Conferencing is beneficial, but not essential - we will invest in your ongoing learning and development. Rewards and benefits Relocation expenses of up to £8,000 A good to outstanding OFSTED rating Regular training opportunities A flexible, agile organisation A generous local government pension scheme 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays Culture of flexible working Technology to support agile working where role permits Option to buy additional holiday 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employers contribution of up to 19.9% Enhanced family friendly policies Local and national discounts for shopping and travel Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Annelies Henshall, Principal Social Worker: Annelies.Henshall@oxfordshire.gov.uk or Sharon Peart, Team Manager for Family Group Conferencing: Sharon.Peart@oxfordshire.gov.uk Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all. Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service. Our commitment to: Safeguarding Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments. Our commitment to: Flexible Working We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. Follow us on Social Media Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Details

Date posted

23 February 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£38,220 to £40,777 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VP3974F3A8

Job locations

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Job description

Job responsibilities

About Us

Are you passionate about empowering children, young people, and families to create meaningful and lasting change? Do you believe in the power of familyleddecisionmaking? If so, this rewarding role could be your next step.

About the Role

We are expanding our Family Group Conferencing Service as part of Oxfordshires Families First initiative.As anIndependentFGC & Lifelong Links Coordinator, you will play a vital role in helping families cometogether, develop their own bespoke solutions, and strengthen relationships thatsupportchildren now and into the future.

This is a unique opportunity to work creatively andindependently, engaging with families from all backgrounds andsupportingthem through challenging but transformative conversations.

You willsupportwith the following:

  • Facilitating Family Group Conferences and Lifelong Links meetings that place families at the heart of planning.
  • Working directly with children, young people, extended family members and their professional network.
  • Helping identify and build lifelong connections for children who may be isolated or at risk.
  • Managing meetings in aninclusive, empowering way - ensuring every voice is heard.
  • Maintaining accurate case records and contributing to service development and research.
  • Working flexibly across Oxfordshire,independentlymanaging your caseload and time.

About you

Were looking for someone who is:

  • Experienced in childrens social care or related settings.
  • Confidentin group facilitation and managing complex family dynamics.
  • Skilled in engaging children and young people in meaningful participation.
  • Highly organised, selfmotivated and able to work autonomously.
  • Committedto restorative, relational and solutionfocused practice.
  • Able to work flexibly, sometimes in the evenings or at weekends.
  • A car user with business insurance (due to travel across the county).

Experience in mediation, advocacy, restorative practice or Family Group Conferencing is beneficial, but not essential - we will invest in your ongoing learning and development.

Rewards and benefits

  • Relocation expenses of up to £8,000
  • A good to outstanding OFSTED rating
  • Regular training opportunities
  • A flexible, agile organisation
  • A generous local government pension scheme
  • 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Culture of flexible working
  • Technology tosupportagile working where role permits
  • Option to buy additional holiday
  • 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeingsupport
  • Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employers contribution of up to 19.9%
  • Enhanced family friendly policies
  • Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
  • Great learning and development opportunities tosupportyour ongoing development.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Annelies Henshall, Principal Social Worker: Annelies.Henshall@oxfordshire.gov.uk or Sharon Peart, Team Manager for Family Group Conferencing: Sharon.Peart@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Ourcommitmentto:Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peersupport, education and safe spaces for all.

Ourcommitmentto:Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a DisabilityConfidentemployer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are alsocommittedto helping andsupportingthose transitioning from HM ArmedForcesto civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Ourcommitmentto:Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council arecommittedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers tosharethiscommitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Ourcommitmentto:Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, jobsharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Job description

Job responsibilities

About Us

Are you passionate about empowering children, young people, and families to create meaningful and lasting change? Do you believe in the power of familyleddecisionmaking? If so, this rewarding role could be your next step.

About the Role

We are expanding our Family Group Conferencing Service as part of Oxfordshires Families First initiative.As anIndependentFGC & Lifelong Links Coordinator, you will play a vital role in helping families cometogether, develop their own bespoke solutions, and strengthen relationships thatsupportchildren now and into the future.

This is a unique opportunity to work creatively andindependently, engaging with families from all backgrounds andsupportingthem through challenging but transformative conversations.

You willsupportwith the following:

  • Facilitating Family Group Conferences and Lifelong Links meetings that place families at the heart of planning.
  • Working directly with children, young people, extended family members and their professional network.
  • Helping identify and build lifelong connections for children who may be isolated or at risk.
  • Managing meetings in aninclusive, empowering way - ensuring every voice is heard.
  • Maintaining accurate case records and contributing to service development and research.
  • Working flexibly across Oxfordshire,independentlymanaging your caseload and time.

About you

Were looking for someone who is:

  • Experienced in childrens social care or related settings.
  • Confidentin group facilitation and managing complex family dynamics.
  • Skilled in engaging children and young people in meaningful participation.
  • Highly organised, selfmotivated and able to work autonomously.
  • Committedto restorative, relational and solutionfocused practice.
  • Able to work flexibly, sometimes in the evenings or at weekends.
  • A car user with business insurance (due to travel across the county).

Experience in mediation, advocacy, restorative practice or Family Group Conferencing is beneficial, but not essential - we will invest in your ongoing learning and development.

Rewards and benefits

  • Relocation expenses of up to £8,000
  • A good to outstanding OFSTED rating
  • Regular training opportunities
  • A flexible, agile organisation
  • A generous local government pension scheme
  • 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Culture of flexible working
  • Technology tosupportagile working where role permits
  • Option to buy additional holiday
  • 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeingsupport
  • Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employers contribution of up to 19.9%
  • Enhanced family friendly policies
  • Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
  • Great learning and development opportunities tosupportyour ongoing development.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Annelies Henshall, Principal Social Worker: Annelies.Henshall@oxfordshire.gov.uk or Sharon Peart, Team Manager for Family Group Conferencing: Sharon.Peart@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Ourcommitmentto:Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peersupport, education and safe spaces for all.

Ourcommitmentto:Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a DisabilityConfidentemployer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are alsocommittedto helping andsupportingthose transitioning from HM ArmedForcesto civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Ourcommitmentto:Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council arecommittedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers tosharethiscommitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Ourcommitmentto:Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, jobsharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to job description above

Desirable

  • Please refer to job description above
Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to job description above

Desirable

  • Please refer to job description above

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruiter

Natasha Otchere

VP3974F3A8.1286@vacancyposter.com

01865816000

Details

Date posted

23 February 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£38,220 to £40,777 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VP3974F3A8

Job locations

Oxford

OX1 1ND


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