Legal Briefing: Sussex Family Justice Board - Quality Circle

THEME

Amidst budget cuts, increased work pressures, and declining morale, the Quality Circle emerges as an independent, self-regulating group of practitioners in Sussex. Aimed at identifying effective practices and driving positive change in the local family justice system, the Quality Circle has evolved into a dynamic platform for effecting change within the family justice system since November, 2017.

With a focus on legal proceedings involving children, the Quality Circle fosters multidisciplinary collaboration among social workers, lawyers, academics, the judiciary, mental health professionals, the police, Cafcass, and other relevant parties. Through regular meetings and action-oriented discussions, it seeks to identify and implement practical changes that positively impact the lives of families and children involved in legal proceedings.

The work of the Quality Circle is complemented by a Parent and Young Person Panel made up of people who have experienced the family justice system as young people or parents.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Meetings take place every other month, lasting approximately 75 minutes, and provide a platform for in-depth discussions on crucial topics such as anti-racist practice, the voice of the child, trauma-informed practice, and domestic abuse.
  • The Ground Rules for meetings can be accessed for reference.
  • PowerPoint or other digital presentation tools are banned, with discussion papers typically limited to two sides of A4 paper, respecting participants’ time constraints.
  • The group operates in a non-hierarchical manner, with organisation undertaken collectively, and participants are committed to working collaboratively and enabling relevant research, guidance, and policy initiatives to be disseminated widely.
  • Newly qualified practitioners are encouraged to contribute, fostering a diverse range of perspectives.
  • Action-orientated discussions aim to identify practical improvements to be discussed, adopted, or modified through collaboration with the Sussex Family Justice Board.

Examples of the initiatives endorsed by the Sussex Family Justice Board include:

CHAIR

Clare Seth, Kinship Consultant, CoramBAAF

Clare joined CoramBAAF in February 2022 alongside jobshare partner, Ann. Clare is a qualified social worker with over 20 years’ experience in Children’s Services. She has managed a children’s social work team in Brighton & Hove, helping to implement a new relationship-based practice model as well as previously having responsibility for staff in fostering and fostering support teams. Clare has worked as a freelance social worker for the last four years, specialising in Kinship and adoption assessment and support as well as working as an independent auditor for an IFA. Clare is a qualified trainer with experience of delivering the Separated Parents Information Programme in Sussex. 

PRESENTERS

Martin Downs, Equality & Human Rights Barrister at 1 Crown Office Row

Lore Riedel, Partners in Change Hub Manager at Brighton & Hove City Council

For social workers, reflection on this session may contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD).

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This session is aimed at lawyers, social work professionals, the judiciary, academics, Cafcass, and those working with or within the family justice system. It is especially relevant for those seeking insights into implementing a similar model within their local area.

FEES

OPEN TO ALL

CONTACT

Email events@corambaaf.org.uk

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If you have any questions about this event please contact events@corambaaf.org.uk for more information.

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