We are looking for advocate volunteers to assist in supporting vulnerable family members, to participate in a Family Group Conference. A family group conference is a process led by family members to plan and make decisions for a child who is at risk. This could be supporting parents who may struggle to express their views. The role of the advocate for any vulnerable adult at the Family Group Conference (FGC) can be essential to its success.

What you will be doing

• Supporting families to participate in Family Group Conferencing
• Helping family members express their views
• Promoting a good working relationship between the family and the local authority

The skills you need

• Excellent communication skills and is able to capture the wishes and feelings of the adults involved in Family Group Conferencing
• Trustworthiness and the ability to help people feel comfortable and safe to talk about their thoughts and feelings relating to the FGC.
• The ability to effectively engage with unconfident adults
• Be dedicated to the Family Group Conference process. It is essential that you are consistent with appointments and work flexibly around the requirements of the family.
• Act in accordance with confidentiality and safeguarding policies and procedures.

What’s in it for you

• Good quality training
• Supporting young people and vulnerable adults

Disclaimer

Somerset Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires a DBS certificate, which will be carried out by SCC at no cost to you.