To provides an overview of what has been undertaken in Herefordshire to develop and implement the Families First programme over the last 15 months.

1. Officers explained that the Families First Programme forms part of national children's social care reforms and the Children's Wellbeing and Schools agenda. Herefordshire is in the first quarter of year two of a three-year implementation programme. Progress has included strengthened partnership working, development of a single Family Help Assessment, practitioner training and establishment of new Family Help Teams.

2. Reflecting on year one, officers reported that the focus had been on transformation and co-production with partners, schools, health services and families. A multi-agency steering group has been established and more than 170 practitioners have completed Families First training. Feedback indicated increased confidence in holding supportive conversations with families and greater understanding of partner roles.

3. Officers advised that service redesign had created dedicated Families First Teams to support partners undertaking Family Help work. These teams provide training, consultation, meeting support and community development expertise. Three locality-based Family Help Teams covering the north, south and central areas of the county became operational on 1 July.

4. Members welcomed progress and asked how success would be measured. Officers explained that a quality assurance framework combining performance data, audits, practitioner feedback and family feedback had been established. This would be benchmarked against existing measures, with quarterly monitoring used to identify issues and assess whether outcomes and experiences were improving.

5. Concerns were raised regarding long-term sustainability and funding. Officers advised that the programme is currently supported by a three-year government grant, but much of the approach has already been embedded within core services. Evidence gathered through monitoring could support future budget growth bids if required.

6. Members asked how value for money would be assessed. Officers explained that indicators would include reductions in repeat referrals, repeat assessments and repeat child protection plans, alongside evidence that earlier intervention was reducing the need for statutory involvement.

7. One member questioned whether nationally mandated reforms could disrupt arrangements that were already working well locally. Officers stated that Herefordshire had anticipated these changes and that the reforms align closely with existing restorative and strengths-based practice. Experience from national pathfinder authorities suggests the approach strengthens early help and partnership working.

8. Discussion turned to the new digital self-assessment tool. Officers confirmed that families would be able to seek advice, identify support services and potentially begin a Family Help Assessment. However, no family would be expected to complete this independently and practitioner support would remain available.

9. Members explored how use of the digital platform would be monitored. Officers explained that overall usage data, referral patterns and service demand trends would be reviewed to determine whether families were accessing support earlier and more effectively. Family feedback would also inform future development.

10. Questions were raised about ongoing costs and development of the platform. Officers advised that maintenance costs should be relatively low following implementation. While uptake levels remain uncertain, testing and evaluation form an important part of the wider reform programme. Children and families have helped shape the content, language, design and support links through co-production activity, with further testing planned before launch.

11. Officers confirmed that the county's support directory would be integrated into the new approach, enabling families to be directed towards appropriate local services based on their responses.

12. Members raised concerns about support for parents experiencing abuse from their children. Officers explained that assistance can be accessed through parenting support, family services and referrals via the Children's Help and Advice Team, including to specialist services such as PEGS (Parental Education Growth Support).

13. Reflecting on hidden need within communities, members highlighted the importance of trust and relationship-based practice. Officers agreed that Families First aims to strengthen links with schools, health professionals and community organisations so families can access help earlier and with confidence.

14. Discussion moved to workforce development and training. Officers explained that the 170 practitioners trained represent the start of a much larger programme, with strong demand and further courses already fully subscribed. Training is delivered through a range of formats to maximise participation.

15. Members asked about barriers to professionals taking on the Family Help Lead Practitioner role. Officers reported that concerns around risk and capacity had been identified through surveys. In response, the council has developed support arrangements, consultation services and targeted training to build confidence across sectors.

16. A broader discussion considered the challenges of implementing Families First alongside education reforms. Officers advised that strong governance arrangements are in place across education, children's social care and SEND services to maintain alignment and shared priorities.

17. The committee also examined pressures on schools and the role of locality working. Officers acknowledged current challenges but highlighted support available through school networks, safeguarding forums and specialist council teams. The locality model was described as improving communication, coordination and accessibility.

18. Members discussed whether schools could become the principal hubs for family support. Officers recognised the importance of schools' relationships with families but stressed that schools must remain focused on education. Family hubs would provide complementary community-based venues for support and engagement.

19. Finally, members asked how children and young people would influence the programme. Officers explained that their views are already gathered through quality assurance processes and will continue to inform evaluation. New digital engagement tools, including Mind of My Own, are being developed to support participation and feedback.

20. The committee welcomed the progress achieved to date and emphasised the importance of ongoing monitoring, partnership working and meaningful engagement with children, young people and families as implementation continues.