What if the people most affected by decisions weren’t just present at meetings—they were in charge? No rigid agendas or professionals leading the conversation. Instead, a welcoming space where individuals and those they trust lead the discussion. This is the essence of Family and Group Conferencing (FGC), and it’s quietly transforming practice in Camden.

FGC turns traditional meetings on their head. Rather than professionals deciding outcomes, individuals and their chosen networks—family, friends, neighbours, people of their choice—take the lead. They decide what will happen and how they’ll make it work. Professionals provide information and clarify risks, but the plan belongs to the person and their group. It works because people are experts in their own lives.

A Decade of Growth and Integration

Over the past ten years, Camden’s FGC service has evolved from a small initiative aligned with the Care Act 2014 and a Strength based approach to practice, into a cornerstone of Adult Social Care and Health. Initially rooted in social care, it now spans health services, mental health teams, and carers’ groups.

FGC Team Managers participate in weekly Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, where professionals from across health and social care collaborate to find solutions for complex cases. FGC is now a regular suggestion from GPs, Community and Complex Care Nursing teams, Memory Service, Camden Carers, Housing and Environmental Health, along with the more traditional referrals from Social Workers—evidence of its growing recognition as a practical, person-centred approach is found in the many stories and feedback provided by participants in FGCs.

Case Study: A Fresh Start

A recent FGC illustrates its impact. A social worker raised concerns about an older man living in unsafe conditions due to severe hoarding. Traditional interventions had failed—he refused help and wouldn’t allow anyone into his home.

The MDT recommended an FGC. The coordinator arranged a meeting at a venue meaningful to him, creating a safe and familiar environment. His family attended, and the relaxed setting—with food and time to talk—helped shift the tone from confrontation to collaboration.

During private family time, they agreed on a practical plan: the man would allow a cleaning team into his home, supported by his family to ensure he felt comfortable. This was a breakthrough, improving his living conditions and wellbeing.

For the social worker, the difference was clear: “Sitting together at the table made all the difference. I hope I can bring other clients to an FGC.”

Why It Works

• Independence: FGC Coordinators are impartial practitioners, building trust, preparing the adult, family and network and the professionals by enabling open conversations.
• Flexibility: Meetings adapt to individual circumstances and can include family of choice, not just biological relatives. Most FGCs take place in person and are held at a local venue of the adult’s choice. Hybrid options can be utilised to allow participation from those who can’t attend in person, or live in another part of the country, or indeed, the world.
• Inclusivity: In Camden we take pride in providing an FGC service that reflects the rich culture and diversity of Camden’s local communities, something which is reflected by the wide range of language and dialects spoken by the cohort of independent coordinators who facilitate the meetings.
• Empowerment: The FGC creates a space where individuals and their networks create their own plans and influence change. Adults in Camden who have been involved in their own family group conference have gone on to use their voices and expertise in different spaces; these include delivering training, influencing council priorities and piloting new technology.
• A commitment to hearing the authentic voice:  Every FGC has the adult’s voice at the centre decision making. The FGC service provides advocacy for individuals who would like to work with someone to share their views.

Looking Ahead

FGC is gaining national attention, supported by research and innovation networks. The University of Birmingham is leading a study to understand how and where FGC is delivered in adult social care and mental health, what difference it makes in people’s lives, and its cost-effectiveness. The research aims to develop practice standards, evaluate short- and long-term outcomes, and explore how FGC can reduce stress and breakdown in caring arrangements by involving families and networks in decision-making.

Community Catalysts is hosting an Adult FGC Research and Practice Network to share learning, connect practitioners, and promote innovation nationally.  Alongside this, Community Catalysts is also driving innovation through its Adults FGC ‘Test and Learn Together’ initiative. This brings London councils together to prototype adult FGC services, develop a Quality Mark based on research evidence, and share data to demonstrate impact. The aim is to build structured development, networked support, and disseminate learning widely, starting with boroughs that already have strong children’s FGC services.

Camden’s vision is clear: embed FGC across adult social care and health as a standard approach for empowering individuals and their networks.

Family Group Conferencing is more than a meeting—it’s a movement towards collaboration, dignity, and respect. By turning meetings on their head, we unlock solutions that are practical, sustainable, and rooted in real lives.

About the Authors

Sean Ahern and Katriona Hartnett are joint Family Group Conference Team Managers in Camden. Both are experienced social workers with a passion for strength-based practice and empowering individuals and families to take the lead in planning their own care and support. They have been instrumental in developing Camden’s adult FGC service into a multidisciplinary, person-centred approach that is now embedded across Adult Social Care and Health.