Families First
An update for all PCF members from Social Care –
Rachel Hale (CEO of the PCF) recently provided us with some invaluable feedback in terms of how we can improve our communication with you. So, we’re excited to share the latest developments in the Families First Programme, which aims to improve how we work together to support children, young people, and families.
What’s Happening?
The local programme in Bath & North East Somerset is gaining momentum, and we’ve had lots of positive discussions about how to make services work better for families. We know change can feel uncertain, so we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
Key Areas of Work
We’ve set up four workstreams to focus on improvements:
• Integrated Front Door – led by Sam MacDonald, Head of Service for Safeguarding Outcomes.
• Family Help – led by Paula Bromley, Head of Service for Children & Families Prevention.
• Multi-Agency Child Protection Team – led by Sarah Hogan, Head of Service for Safeguarding & Quality Assurance.
• Family Help Decision Making – led by Freyja Baber, Team Manager for Family Support Plus.
These groups include staff and partner agencies and meet regularly to explore new ways of working.
What’s Next?
• November: We’ll share options for how services could look and gather feedback from staff and families and officers from the Local Authority will attend some of your meetings to gather feedback around our options as well as provide regular updates and engagement activities.
• December: We’ll share the preferred approach based on feedback from all stakeholders
• January 2026: We’ll look at how teams are organised to meet demand.
Our aim is to implement changes in Spring 2025, but we’ll confirm timelines as soon as possible.
Family Engagement
We are holding a session with parents, carers, and young people on 25th November to hear your views on specific areas of development, including how we can improve our social care and early help assessments as well as how we develop approaches to holding family network meetings. Rachel Hale as the Chair of the PCF will attend to represent your voice and will share any key issues with members and gather feedback from you to help in the design of future services.
Other Improvements:
Alongside Families First, we’re continuing work on:
• Fostering and residential care planning
• Kinship care strategy
• Support for children at risk outside the home
Get Involved
Your voice matters. If you’d like to share feedback or have questions, please speak to your usual contact or join one of the upcoming engagement sessions. Thank you for your support as we work together to make services better for children and families.
For more information on the national Families First Partnership Programme please visit https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6825b992a60aeba5ab34e006/The_families_first_partnership_programme_guide.pdf
If as members you have feedback or comments that you would like Rachel to share with Social Care, please email or call 01761 502 515
