Seminar Programme

Discover

Join Oxfordshire County Council as they describe changes designed to empower the families they work with and provide social workers with a great environment to work in. At the heart of the new approach will be high quality support and supervision backed up with resources to provide families with high quality help when they need it. In the seminar you can find out about the changes they are making to co-produce a new way of working, including:

- How they are adapting the Family Safeguarding Model to meet local needs

- How they are changing our practice to support developing effective working relationships (e.g. reducing changes of social workers experienced by families and new ways of recording to keep children at the heart of our work

- How they are planning to provide better supervision and support to social workers

Laurie Thompson, Team Manager, Oxfordshire County Council

Connect

The NICE Collaborating Centre for Social Care (NCCSC) has produced a short film aimed at children and young people in care to help them understand and use the NICE quality standard on the Health and Wellbeing of Looked After Children and Young People in Care.

NICE

Connect

We aren’t always listening to what parents and families need when it comes to their children being exploited. Why do we not always hear their evidence, their thoughts and work alongside them? Why is there often an expectation for them to ‘control’ their child and have more influence than the perpetrators and criminal networks that they are groomed by, fearful of and manipulated by? Join Maria as she outlines the development of ‘key lines of enquiry’ for professionals and agencies to consider when supporting parents and families in child exploitation cases. 

Maria Cassidy, Families and Communities, NWG Network

Collaborate

There Was A Boy is the second film produced in partnership with more than 10 other local authorities to promote foster care across the Midlands and focuses on the need to help at risk teenagers, following last year’s Royal Television Society (Midlands) nominated ‘Giants’.

Local authorities in the West Midlands

Imagine

The seminar will cover what a typical ASYE year involves and what this first year of practice may look like for newly qualified social workers. It will share learning and practice tips to consider, and provide typical examples of what may be required of you in your first year of practice.Newly Qualified Social Workers, currently completing their first year of practice (ASYE year)  will share how their first year of social work practice is going and will share some of their learning. We will also be available to answer any queries you may have about starting your social work career.  

Hazel Shaw, Workforce Development Trainer and Registered Social Worker, Staffordshire County Council

Motivate

So called ‘honour-based’ violence places ​both children and adults at risk of significant harm ​and is therefore a safeguarding concern for both adults and children's services. Join 'Kaiza' (Survivor and Founder of Kaiza Training  & Consultancy) and Nushra Mansuri, Assistant Professor in Social work as they share their perspectives about how the profession can tackle these issues a unique social work perspective on the practice.

'Kaiza', Survivor and Founder of Kaiza Training & Consultancy & Nushra Mansuri, Assistant Professor in Social Work, Coventry University

Collaborate

This film looks at the realities behind the headlines about older people and their use of hospital beds, and considers what steps could be taken to help avoid unnecessary admissions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ry6Vjx_BGc&feature=emb_title

SCIE

Innovate

Carla and Sarb will explore how “ways” we behave towards each other build relationships, based on connection, trust and understanding; and how, from this, it is possible to create environments for sustainable change based on High Support, High Challenge and High Expectations in the services we deliver to children and families. This session will share how Coventry Children’s Services are using restorative practice to support repair and relational practices to support children and families to thrive. 

Carla Pawsey, Restorative Practice Lead & Sarb Bhambra, Principal Social Worker, Coventry City Council

Collaborate

This is a film showing how some of the principles of the SCIE/NICE guidance on promoting the health and well-being of looked after children are working in practice. The film focuses on two schemes for care leavers which are helping to support them in their move to independence. Two young people talk about their needs and fears of moving to independence, whilst their service managers talk about how they have organised a service which meets their requirements.

SCIE

Discover

City of Wolverhampton Council have used two similar approaches in both Adults and Children’s social care to help practitioners regularly think outside of the box, learn from other specialisms and help families find their own solutions. In this workshop, Alison will talk about these approaches, huddles and solution circles and how they can transform work with adults with additional needs and children and families.

Alice Hinds, Head of Children & Young People in Care, City of Wolverhampton Council

Imagine

Join Shefali to discover how robust evidence can help to make you an impressive witness in court. The session will help you to understand what robust evidence is; and to understand the importance of court documents that can stand up to cross examination. Shefali will draw on her experience to help you understand the court’s expectation of the report writer so that you can give strong evidence and be an impressive witness in court.

Shefali Shah, Author and Director, Kingsley Knight Training

Collaborate

In this video we find out what it might feel like to live with dementia. Viewers will experience a little of what it is like to find yourself in a world that seems familiar and yet doesn’t always make sense. The incidents pictured in this video and memories recounted are based upon true experiences gathered from people living with dementia.

SCIE

Rookeries

Join Natasha as she gives an insight into the fostering service and what Birmingham Children’s Trust can offer to you, discussing the various roles available and the development pathways. Attendees will also hear more about how Birmingham Children’s Trust supports its foster carers in shaping children’s futures.

Natasha Al Mossi, Fostering Team Manager; and Sandie Paul, Assistant Head of Service – Fostering, Birmingham Children’s Trust

Innovate

Interest in relational approaches to Social Work with children and their families have seen a significant rise in interest in the UK over recent years. Restorative practice is based on a set of beliefs and values that focus on building, maintaining and repairing relationships this is promoted as a way to increase family engagement and achieve positive outcomes for children. However, relationships are complex, and require an awareness and use of ‘self’ to navigate inter-personal and professional boundaries. This session will explore the power of connection and provide a space to reflect on and explore the use of 'self' to build, maintain and repair relationships.

Mike Hayward, Service Manager, Centre of Professional Practice, Dudley Council

Collaborate

This video shows how good communication with older people can improve safeguarding. In residential care it is important that staff take the time to talk to residents and to listen to their concerns. Two community projects demonstrate how people are encouraged to look out for each other and to report any concerns.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKnebFA1ahI

SCIE

Connect

Join Steve in this seminar for tips on how to get to the interview stage, how to present yourself and questions to ask your employer to make sure that your next move is the right one for you. Steve will draw on his experience in social work recruitment to guide you on the best practice before the interview, on the day of the interview and during the interview itself, including a discussion of the ‘seven deadly sins’ to avoid.

There are also many employers including local authorities at the event who can answer the questions you may have about your future, so why not make the most of speaking with them and finding out what jobs are available?

Steve Stuart, Consultant, VRIC Consulting

Synergy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=fhmfptpwNZc&feature=emb_title

Stronger Together

Motivate

oin Sophie as she takes you through everything the Birmingham Children’s Trust Academy offers, including the ​​Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), the Return to Social Work Programme, the Accredited Child and Family Programme. Sophie will also cover the National Assessment and Accreditation System (NAAS), including what the assessment looks and feels like, with an opportunity to sample some practice questions. Find out how Birmingham Children’s Trust programme of support can assist your career progression and allow you to achieve your accreditation in a supportive environment.

Sophie Gilbert, NAAS co-ordinator, Birmingham Children’s Trust

Collaborate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=fhmfptpwNZc&feature=emb_title

Discover

Join Jenny as she outlines Birmingham Children's Trust's new practice model- the Stronger Families Programme - and what this means about how the Trust supports children and families. The model aims to foster, as far as possible, a spirit of collaborative working between professionals and families, incorporating a stage of information sharing which all of those present (including family members) are invited to participate.

Jenny Turnross, Director of Practice, Birmingham Children's Trust

Imagine

Rob and Elaine present a collection of social work case studies from frontline social workers, emphasising the importance of the job as well as providing everyday solutions to real problems faced. The session will include reflective learning points and discussion of supporting case law. Relevant for all frontline adult social work and mental health practitioners.

Biographical information: Rob Mitchell and Elaine James are the authors of the new book Social Work, Cats and Rocket Science. Rob Mitchell is a Principal Social Worker; he co-chaired the national Principal Social Worker Network for two years, is a Trustee of the National Social Work Awards and is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Lancaster University. Elaine has worked in various grant making and commissioning roles across children and adult social care for over 20 years, she is an honorary researcher at Lancaster University.

Rob Mitchell, Principal Social Worker & Elaine James, Honorary Researcher, Lancaster University

Inspire

Learn about Birmingham’s Biggest Family and its growing partnership working across the city with businesses, voluntary organisations and charities, including innovative programmes, projects and events. Hear first-hand about what it’s like being part of young people and care leavers’ groups and forums at Birmingham Children’s Trust.

Alison Holmes, Assistant Director Early Help; and Jaya Naghen, Head of Service, Birmingham Children’s Trust

Connect

In this innovative session, learn what questions to ask of yourself and any prospective employer to help you achieve your individual goals; Identify key documentation to inform your decisions; and hear the latest research from Vric Consulting around social worker career motivations and consider how to interpret the messages from prospective employers.   

Steve Stuart, Consultant, VRIC Consulting

Collaborate

A film commissioned by the NICE collaborating centre for social care will help organisations and people use the quality standard on mental wellbeing of older people.

NICE

Connect

The NICE Collaborating Centre for Social Care (NCCSC) has produced a short film aimed at children and young people in care to help them understand and use the NICE quality standard on the Health and Wellbeing of Looked After Children and Young People in Care.

NICE

Rookeries

This workshop will explore the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of social workers and the social care workforce and how this is supported by the innovative practice model in Birmingham Children’s Trust. It will also explore trauma-informed approaches, looking at what is meant by ‘trauma’, provide a brief overview of the most up-to-date research, consider the sources of trauma, and introduce the underpinning principles of the approach.

Lara Timms, Principal Social Worker; and Marie Kershaw, Clinical Psychologist, Birmingham Children’s Trust

Motivate

Engaging in problem-free talk provides a positive start to the solution-focused process. Inviting the child to describe their likes and strengths will communicate to them that there is more to them than just the problem. Building these positive references supports the child to begin considering other possibilities and to become hopeful that change is possible. As a practitioner you can also use problem-free talk to show that you are choosing to work with a resourceful and capable child who has lots of positive qualities, rather than perceiving the child as difficult and troublesome.

Join Shelley in this seminar to find out about how solution-focused, strengths-based techniques when communicating with children, young people and families can generate positive outcomes.

Speaker biography: Shelley Caldwell has worked within children’s services as a social worker for 20 years. During her career, Shelley has worked primarily within child protection and with children who are looked-after.   Shelley is currently employed by North Somerset as the principal social worker and service leader. Her passions centre around social justice and building relationships that enable families to make positive change by utilising a strengths-based solution focused model of practice. Throughout her career, childhood trauma and adversity have been acutely evident both in her work with children and in supporting and enabling parents to address the impact of their childhood trauma and adversity on their adult functioning.

Shelley Caldwell, Principal Social Worker, North Somerset Council

Collaborate

There Was A Boy is the second film produced in partnership with more than 10 other local authorities to promote foster care across the Midlands and focuses on the need to help at risk teenagers, following last year’s Royal Television Society (Midlands) nominated ‘Giants’.

Local authorities in the West Midlands

Motivate

Every family is unique and has its own community values, culture, personalities, dynamics and history. Family group conferences originated in New Zealand, and were developed in consultation with a community that proposed that families have the right to make decisions about their own lives before the state could intervene and make decisions.

Alison will provide an overview of, and insight into, the benefits of working in partnership with families and how Birmingham Children’s Trust supports and empowers them in their family plan.

Alison Brown, Team Manager, Family Group Conferencing Service, Birmingham Children’s Trust

Collaborate

This film looks at the realities behind the headlines about older people and their use of hospital beds, and considers what steps could be taken to help avoid unnecessary admissions.

SCIE

Connect

This session will explore equality, diversity and inclusion from a Wolverhampton perspective prompted by the events over the last 18 months and in response to the murder of George Floyd, Black Lives Matter and the structural inequalities exposed by the pandemic. There will be time to reflect on how to take an anti-discriminatory and anti-racist approach in practice, considering how do we move from talking to taking action and exploring some useful tools and thoughts from practice.

Jennifer Rogers, Principal Social Worker, City of Wolverhampton Council

Collaborate

This is a film showing how some of the principles of the SCIE/NICE guidance on promoting the health and well-being of looked after children are working in practice. The film focuses on two schemes for care leavers which are helping to support them in their move to independence. Two young people talk about their needs and fears of moving to independence, whilst their service managers talk about how they have organised a service which meets their requirements.

SCIE

Collaborate

In this video we find out what it might feel like to live with dementia. Viewers will experience a little of what it is like to find yourself in a world that seems familiar and yet doesn’t always make sense. The incidents pictured in this video and memories recounted are based upon true experiences gathered from people living with dementia.

SCIE

Rookeries

Join Steve in this seminar for tips on how to get to the interview stage, how to present yourself and questions to ask your employer to make sure that your next move is the right one for you. Steve will draw on his experience in social work recruitment to guide you on the best practice before the interview, on the day of the interview and during the interview itself, including a discussion of the ‘seven deadly sins’ to avoid.

There are also many employers including local authorities at the event who can answer the questions you may have about your future, so why not make the most of speaking with them and finding out what jobs are available?

Steve Stuart, Consultant, VRIC Consulting

Discover

Liz will provide an update on the changes brought about by the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019, and the latest news on the replacement scheme for DoLS, The Liberty Protection Safeguards [LPS].

Liz Osborne, Lead Practitioner, MCA, DoLS & Safeguarding L&D, Staffordshire County Council

Collaborate

This video shows how good communication with older people can improve safeguarding. In residential care it is important that staff take the time to talk to residents and to listen to their concerns. Two community projects demonstrate how people are encouraged to look out for each other and to report any concerns.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKnebFA1ahI

SCIE

Motivate

Recent insights which science has given into the human need to love and be loved arguing that a systematic evidence-based approach enables clarity about what works and why it works. Join Colin as he explains the science and shows how quality care can be more cost-effective.

Colin Maginn, Director, Pillars of Parenting

Collaborate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=20&v=q-5GVA5Ig-Y&feature=emb_title

Stronger Together

Collaborate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=fhmfptpwNZc&feature=emb_title

Birmingham City Council SAB

Rookeries

When looking for a new job, you want to impress your future employer while also finding out if the job is right for you. This session will help you to consider what questions to ask in order to get the information you need to make an informed decision. There will also be the opportunity to discuss what to ask employers who are exhibiting at the event. Join Steve to discover useful tips to find a social work employer that is right for you.

Steve Stuart, Consultant, VRIC Consulting

Imagine

Learn how Birmingham Children’s Trust is providing unique services to support the mental health of children with learning disabilities and physical disabilities and how this connects with existing special educational needs and disability (SEND) support.

Alison Montgomery, Assistant Director, Birmingham Children’s Trust

Collaborate

A film commissioned by the NICE collaborating centre for social care will help organisations and people use the quality standard on mental wellbeing of older people.

NICE