The Family Group Conference Special Interest Group (FGC SIG) seeks to integrate Family Group Conferences (FGCs) into social work practice, research evidence, and publicise the model through events. The group is interested in identifying models of FGCs, which are considered effective by practitioners and are informed by best evidence. To this end, the group also aims to promote research of FGCs through conferences and to seek funding to research effective models.
With a UK-focus, the FGC group was formed by Professor Paul Montgomery, Dr Joan Rappaport, Clio Weissman and Andrew Broome. It has steadily increased membership and profile and now recognises itself as part of a consortium of networks in FGC including Daybreak and the Family Rights Group.
Chair, Sarah Brown, Staff Tutor - Social Work, Faculty of Wellbeing, Education & Language Studies, Open University, says: "I am excited about the opportunity to work with colleagues who have a similar passion for developing and promoting good practice in Family Group Conferences nationally. Furthermore, I have strong commitment to continue collaborative work with those who have experience of FGCs to ensure their views and experiences are represented authentically."
- Listen to the BASW's "Let’s Talk Social Work" podcast, here: Lifting the Lid on Family Group Conferences"
If you wish to know more about this SIG please contact Helen Randle (BASW Policy & Research Team Administrator) in the first instance.
Useful links
- Family Rights Group promotes policies and practices that keep children safe within their family and strengthen the family and community networks of those children who cannot live at home
- What is a Family Group Conference? Camden.
A message from Sarah Brown, Chair of the FGC Special Interest Group, BASW
A little bit about myself. I am qualified social worker and a Staff Tutor - Social Work, Faculty of Wellbeing, Education & Language Studies, Open University. I have been involved in the Special Interest Group as a member and then Vice Chair since 2019. In these roles I have been actively involved in the following; a Round Table event and conference delivery of findings, a webinar to promote FGCs nationally and restorative practice to local authorities as well as publishing a Let’s Talk Social Work podcast, Lifting the Lid on Family Group Conferences.
I am excited about the opportunity to continue work with colleagues who have a similar passion for developing and promoting good practice in Family Group Conferences nationally. Furthermore, I have strong commitment to continue collaborative work with those who have experience of FGCs to ensure their views and experiences are represented authentically.
What is the commitment? The Special Interest Group meets online around three times a year, depending on the projects we are undertaking. I am aware how busy everyone is, so it is important that our work plan as a group creates opportunity to develop and promote good practice, but is equally achievable alongside other demands and responsibilities we all have.