Four councils have joined a pioneering programme to implement Family and Group Conferencing (FGC) for Adults in their local areas.

Led by Community Catalysts and London Borough of Camden Council, this group learning programme known as ‘Test and Learn Together’ is a new approach to support innovation in Adult Social Care.

The group of councils embarking on this journey are: Richmond and Wandsworth, Brent, Hartlepool and Central Bedfordshire.

Each council has distinct priorities and will explore how FGC for Adults can support their vision. These vary from:

• Looking at how the approach can improve support at ‘the front door’ through early help
• Applying it within safeguarding frameworks
• Supporting preparation for adulthood

Despite these varied starting points, all partners will work to a shared vision and framework, implementing programmes rooted in research, evidence and proven design principles.

Virindar Basi, Principal Social Worker, Assistant Director Professional Standards at Richmond and Wandsworth Council commented:

“We are delighted to be part of the Test and Learn Together programme. Across Richmond and Wandsworth, we are committed to strengths-based approaches that promote independence, choice, control and wellbeing.

Family Group Conferencing for Adults has the potential to transform the way people are supported, bringing families, friends and wider networks together to help shape solutions that matter most to them. By placing people at the heart of decision-making, the approach aligns strongly with our ambition to deliver person-centred care and support.”

The programme is underpinned by a collaborative partnership. Camden Council is acting as the learning partner, sharing insights from over 10 years of delivery of FGC for Adults. Community Catalysts will facilitate the sessions and develop the framework, materials and overall structure that support implementation across all sites.

Sean Ahern, Family Group Conferencing Manager at Camden Council said:

“We are delighted to support this Test and Learn Together programme and are keen to share Camden’s learning and experience with other Adult Social Care teams across the country.

Over the past decade in Camden, Family and Group Conferencing for Adults has developed into a powerful, person-led approach that places individuals and their chosen networks of community, family and friends at the heart of decision-making.

We’ve seen the difference it makes—from complex situations such as safeguarding to preventing the need for more formal intervention—where chosen networks come together to create safer, more sustainable plans.”

Nick Sinclair, Programme Director at Community Catalysts commented:

“Community Catalysts are proud to be working with Camden Council and this group of four forward-thinking councils, who are all seeking to further their person-centred practice through this brilliant approach.

We are keen to see FGC for Adults grow across the UK so that more people can be in control of their own futures and at the centre of planning for their care and support. We know the approach can benefit people, those close to them and the wider system too.”

This coordinated effort marks a significant and positive step forward for FGC for Adults. By learning together in real time, the participating areas aim to build robust, high-impact local programmes, while also contributing to a wider body of shared knowledge that can inform practice nationally.