Family Group Conferencing Service

Funding for the Family Group Conferencing service under the Family Network Pilot has recently been secured for a further 12 months. This contract is necessary to maintain continuity for vulnerable families and avoid disruption to a specialist, relationship-based service. The existing provider ensures consistency, with staff already trained in HBC's practice model, and previous attempts to recruit in-house have been unsuccessful. A change in provider at this stage would introduce avoidable risks to service quality and established relationships. A 12-month extension allows time to review the service, engage stakeholders, consider TUPE implications, and carry out a compliant procurement process aligned with future social care reforms.