Manchester City Council

Social services Family Group Conference

1. Policy statement

The Family Group Conference (FGC) Team is committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights in all aspects of its work. We recognise and value the diversity of Manchester's communities and are committed to ensuring that every child, young person, parent, carer and family member is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

We will actively challenge discrimination, prejudice, harassment and victimisation and will work to create an environment where all individuals feel safe, heard, valued and able to participate fully in Family Group Conference processes.

The FGC Team supports 's commitment to equality and diversity and aims to ensure that all services are accessible, inclusive and responsive to individual needs.

2. Purpose

This policy aims to:

  • Promote equality of opportunity for all children, young people and families accessing the FGC service.
  • Ensure that services are delivered fairly and without discrimination.
  • Foster a culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion.
  • Meet legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998.
  • Ensure that families can participate meaningfully in decision-making processes regardless of their background or circumstances.
  • Reduce barriers that may prevent families from engaging with Family Group Conferences.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All FGC Team staff.
  • Agency and temporary workers.
  • Partner agencies involved in Family Group Conferences.
  • Children, young people, family members and professionals participating in the FGC process.

4. Principles

The FGC Team will:

Respect Diversity

Recognise and value differences including:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Gender Identity
  • Sexual orientation
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Marriage and civil partnership
  • Socio-economic background
  • Caring responsibilities
  • Language and literacy needs
  • Cultural and family traditions

Promote Inclusion

We will ensure that every family member has the opportunity to participate and contribute to decision-making wherever safe and appropriate.

Challenge Discrimination

We will take prompt action to address discriminatory attitudes, behaviours or practices.

Promote Equity

We recognise that some individuals and groups may face additional barriers and may require additional support to achieve equitable outcomes.

5. Commitment to children and families

The FGC Team will:

  • Treat all families fairly and consistently.
  • Ensure that services are accessible regardless of protected characteristics or personal circumstances.
  • Provide interpreters, translators and communication support where required.
  • Offer accessible venues and meeting arrangements.
  • Consider religious observances, dietary requirements and cultural practices when arranging Family Group Conferences.
  • Ensure that disabled children, young people and adults can participate fully.
  • Respect preferred names, pronouns and identities.
  • Support the participation of LGBTQ+ children, young people and family members.
  • Promote anti-racist practice.
  • Ensure that children's voices are heard and respected regardless of age, ability or communication needs.

6. Responsibilities

Team Manager

The Team Manager will:

  • Promote equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the service.
  • Ensure staff receive appropriate training.
  • Monitor implementation of this policy.
  • Address concerns relating to discrimination or exclusion.
  • Review service data and outcomes to identify inequalities.

Family Group Conference Facilitators

FGC Facilitators will:

  • Deliver services in a culturally competent and inclusive manner.
  • Identify and address barriers to participation.
  • Challenge discriminatory language or behaviour appropriately.
  • Ensure all relevant family members have opportunities to participate safely.
  • Record and communicate individual support needs.

All Staff

All staff must:

  • Comply with this policy.
  • Treat others with dignity and respect.
  • Promote inclusive practice.
  • Report incidents of discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
  • Participate in equality and diversity learning and development opportunities.

7. Accessibility and reasonable adjustments

The FGC Team will take reasonable steps to ensure accessibility, including:

  • Providing information in accessible formats.
  • Arranging interpreters and British Sign Language interpreters where required.
  • Using communication aids and assistive technology.
  • Identifying accessible meeting venues.
  • Considering sensory, learning and mobility needs.

8. Cultural competence

Staff will seek to understand and respect cultural, religious and community influences that may impact family decision-making.

The FGC Team will:

  • Avoid assumptions and stereotypes.
  • Engage families with cultural sensitivity.
  • Recognise the importance of identity, heritage and community networks.
  • Encourage family-led solutions that respect culture while maintaining safeguarding responsibilities.

9. Safeguarding and inclusion

The FGC Team recognises that some individuals may face discrimination, exclusion or marginalisation that increases vulnerability.

Safeguarding practice will include consideration of:

  • Hate crime.
  • Racism.
  • Disability discrimination.
  • Gender-based discrimination.
  • Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
  • Cultural isolation.
  • Language barriers.

10. Complaints and reporting

Any concerns regarding discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment should be reported to:

  • The Family Group Conference Team Manager.
  • Relevant Children's Services managers.
  • Manchester City Council complaints procedures where appropriate.

All complaints will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.

11. Monitoring and review

The FGC Team will monitor:

  • Service accessibility.
  • Participation rates across diverse groups.
  • Feedback from children, young people and families.
  • Complaints relating to equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Workforce equality information where appropriate.

Actions arising from monitoring will be used to improve service delivery and reduce inequalities.

12. Policy review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

  • Legislation changes.
  • Manchester City Council policies are updated.
  • Service reviews identify required amendments.

Approval

Approved by: Family Group Conference Team Manager
Service: Children's Services, Manchester City Council
Effective Date: September 2026
Review Date: September 2027

This policy should be read alongside 's Manchester City Council equality and diversity commitments and related children's services policies.