Job Description
Fixed Term to 31.03.2027 - Minimum 40% of time spent in the office, Civic Centre, Gateshead.
Salary alary £36,363 - £39,152 pro rata to hours worked.
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Bringing families and professionals together to improve outcomes.
Our Family Group Conference (FGC) Service sits within Specialist Support Services in Children’s Social Care. The team works with children, young people and their families to support safe, family‑led decision making at times when additional help, planning or safeguarding responses are needed. We bring families and professionals together in a structured, supportive environment, helping them identify risks, agree future‑focused plans, and put the right support in place to keep children safe and well.
Be the calm in difficult conversations — and the catalyst for better futures
As a Family Group Conference Coordinator and Mediator, you will play a key role in empowering families to take ownership of their plans and strengthen their support networks. You will lead Family Group Conference meetings, shuttle Conferences and mediation sessions, working directly with children and young people to ensure their voices are heard. You’ll guide families through sensitive conversations, help resolve conflict, and produce clear, practical and evidence‑based plans that address risks and promote positive outcomes. You’ll work closely with social workers, partner agencies and other professionals, offering advice on FGC practice, supporting quality referrals, and helping maintain the high standards of the service. This is a rewarding role where your work will make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families.
Where your skills help families find solutions that work
What you'll get to do:
- Lead and coordinate Family Group Conference meetings (FGC) to support family-led decision making, ensuring plans promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
- Work directly with children and young people to understand and present their views, wishes and feelings within FGCs and mediation.
- Encourage the active participation of parents, children, young people and professionals, ensuring meetings are safe, inclusive and effective.
- Coordinate and lead Shuttle meetings where families cannot meet together, co‑working these to maintain safety.
- Produce clear, detailed and future‑focused family plans and mediation agreements, ensuring they address identified risks and can be implemented immediately.
- Plan, prepare and coordinate mediation sessions in a safe and supportive environment, facilitating discussion and conflict resolution.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with children, families and multi‑agency partners, encouraging collaboration and positive outcomes.
- Respond appropriately to new or emerging risk information from social care and other services in cases open to the team.
- Provide advice, support and training to professionals on FGC practice, referral quality and processes.
- Maintain accurate and confidential electronic records and ensure data protection compliance.
- Contribute to service evaluation processes and Ofsted inspections as required.
- Work flexibly, including occasional evenings or early mornings, to meet the needs of families and the service.
- Uphold professional standards and engage in ongoing personal development.
What you'll bring:
- A relevant Level 3 qualification (or equivalent), with willingness to undertake FGC Coordinator and Mediator training. A driving licence and access to a vehicle would be desirable.
- Knowledge of Family Group Conference principles, mediation practice, child development, the Children Act 1989, child protection procedures, and issues affecting children and families.
- An understanding of professional boundaries, equality, anti‑oppressive practice and the impact of discrimination.
- Experience working with children and families, including chairing meetings and collaborating with multi‑agency professionals.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, presenting and engaging effectively with diverse families.
- Ability to prioritise and organise workload, meet service timescales, work independently (including safe lone working), and maintain accurate confidential records.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Outlook and strong organisational skills to support effective planning, coordination and decision‑making.
If successful you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience. Salary £36,363 - £39,152 pro rata to hours worked.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
When writing your statement, please:
- Use the key responsibilities and essential criteria listed in the advert to guide your response.
- Give clear, specific examples that show how you have demonstrated these skills or responsibilities in previous roles.
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or simply explain:
- what you did,
- how you did it, and
- what difference it made.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.