We are recruiting for the role of Family Forum Manager within the National Improvement Service.
The National Improvement Service (NIS) focuses on supporting quality improvement in front-line work to help Cafcass provide an exceptional experience to children and young people. NIS activity consists of the following areas: Learning and development, quality assurance and auditing, commissioned support, multi-agency reviews and consultations. NIS will be part of a forthcoming consultation on practice arrangements that will further develop the described roles and responsibilities.
This role is part of a team that works flexibly and remotely therefore your location isn't a critical consideration. However, there will be occasional travel to attend in person team meetings.
We trust and empower colleagues to work in a hybrid way, providing the resources, equipment, and support, so that individually and collectively, we can be the voice of children and young people when the family court makes critical decisions about their futures.
We provide extensive wellbeing support for colleagues, as well as excellent benefits, all of which we hope encourages you to join us., Let us tell you a bit more about the role…
The Family Forum Manager plays a pivotal role in leading and developing the Cafcass Family Forum, a key initiative aimed at improving services through family feedback. This strategic position supports Cafcass' ambition to be a feedback-led organisation by ensuring families' voices influence policy, practice, and decision-making. The role involves managing the Forum's work programme, recruiting and training members, chairing meetings, and delivering presentations across the organisation. The post holder will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive service improvements, promote restorative practice, and ensure the impact of family engagement is evidenced and embedded in organisational learning. Experience working with families-particularly in social work or charitable community settings-and an awareness of children's needs will be essential in understanding and translating lived experiences into meaningful change., Final Interview:
W/C 15th September
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
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+ Has knowledge of the family justice system, gained as a qualified social worker, lawyer, or through equivalent experience in the charity sector.
+ Has experience working with families in social work settings or charitable community organisations, with an awareness of children's needs.
+ Has excellent communication skills, including public speaking, report writing, and translating complex information into accessible language.
+ Demonstrates experience in restorative practice and direct work with families and children.
+ Has a working knowledge of the Family Justice System or experience in advocacy and related projects.
+ Can manage projects independently, meet deadlines, and handle conflicting priorities.
+ Has experience designing and leading meetings and events with a clear purpose.
+ Understands the challenges families face in the family justice system and can engage families from diverse backgrounds.
+ Is skilled in building effective partnerships across organisations and managing conflict constructively.
+ Is committed to promoting diversity, equality, and continuous professional development.
The advertised salary reflects our 2024/25 pay award. We are awaiting confirmation of our 2025/26 when salaries will be updated to reflect this.
+ Generous holidays - 28 days holiday (including three for Christmas) rising to 33 days with five years continuous service, which could include your current employment. You can also sell any you do not need. And an additional 4 wellbeing days across the year.
+ Excellent pension - 18.1% employer contribution to Local Government Pension scheme, potentially building on your current pension.
+ Flexible working- Most colleagues work in a hybrid way, having the benefits of working both from the office and home, we also accommodate flexible working requests (e.g. 9-day fortnights).
+ Exclusive discounts- Generous discounts with wide range of companies covering leisure, technology, travel, personal finance, fashion and supermarkets.
+ Professional fees -Social work colleagues have their annual Social Work England membership fees reimbursed.
+ Car leasing schemes -We have our own scheme for colleagues that travel a significant number of business miles, as well as an open scheme through a third party.
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