Decision details

Councillor Walmsley introduced the report seeking Cabinet approval for Bury's proposed implementation approach to the national Families First Partnership Programme (FFPP). The reforms aim to shift children's services towards earlier intervention, prevention, stronger multi-agency safeguarding, and greater involvement of families in decision-making.

Councillor Rydeheard queried the grant funding and whether we have anticipated the possibility that the funding may get cut and our response in the event that it does.

Councillor Walmsley confirmed that it has been taken into consideration and that safeguards would need to be put in place to ensure the service can continue.

Decision (s)

Cabinet

a.    Approved the implementation of the Families First Partnership Programme operating model as set out in this report.

b.    Approved the use of Families First Partnership Programme grant funding to support implementation of the model and associated service transformation arrangements.

c.     Approved commencement of formal consultation with affected staff and trade unions regarding the proposed organisational and staffing changes arising from implementation of the Programme.

d.    Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Children and Young People, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and the Monitoring Officer, to take such actions as are necessary to implement the approved model and associated operational arrangements. 

e.    Noted that implementation of the Programme will contribute to compliance with relevant statutory duties and the reforms introduced by the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026.

Reasons for decision(s) 

·       Implementation of the Families First Partnership Programme is part of the national children's social care reform programme and provides Bury with an opportunity to strengthen our Family Safeguarding model of practice, while also delivering services in line with relevant statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children, and the Families First Partnership Programme delivery expectations

·       Families First is a significant system reform programme that will improve outcomes for children and families through earlier intervention, strengthened multi-agency safeguarding and greater family involvement in decision-making. Approval will enable the Council and its partners to comply with national policy expectations, secure the benefits of government investment, establish robust governance and accountability arrangements, and support the delivery of a sustainable, integrated model of family support across Bury

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Families First Partnership Programme is a national reform programme supported by programme guidance, grant conditions and elements of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, which seeks to reform how services to children and families are delivered by local authority children's services and partner agencies