Skip to main content

Update about the national social care reforms in Hertfordshire – March 2026

Last updated on 27 March 2026
Hertfordshire County Councilby Hertfordshire County Council

Following a period of review and the appointment of a new Director of Children and Families at Hertfordshire County Council, the Families First Partnership Programme (FFPP) is progressing with the rollout of national reforms in Hertfordshire.

Recent engagement with Children’s Social Care colleagues has provided valuable feedback on the county council’s workforce transformation proposals, which we’re sharing with partners for information.

Engagement has identified a clear understanding of the need to move to a geographical footprint of services across Hertfordshire, and an unwavering commitment to the true spirit of the reforms, using them as a way of improving our collective support and help for children and families in Hertfordshire.

As plans are reshaped in response to feedback, there will also be an adjustment to align Hertfordshire’s model more closely with Department for Education guidance. This will ensure a more seamless journey for families through children’s social care services by removing transfer points for those supported by Targeted Early Help, Child in Need, and Child Protection teams within the new Family Help service.

The Family Help service will form the first phase of implementing the reforms, with operational go‑live expected by the end of the year. Significant workforce changes will occur within the children’s social care teams over the coming months, and any impacts on partner organisations will be communicated.

Over the coming months, we’re expecting Government to issue new guidance, especially in relation to the Multi-Agency Partnership Teams, which will inform the next phase of development. Partner support remains vital to ensuring a cohesive, multi‑agency approach to supporting children and families in Hertfordshire.

The current timeline remains indicative and may shift due to further feedback, unforeseen challenges, or an Ofsted inspection. Final proposals will be accompanied by a more detailed schedule. Development of the Multi‑Agency Child Protection Team is expected to take longer to incorporate new DfE guidance on the team’s remit and the Lead Child Protection Practitioner role.

Strategic partner Subject Matter Experts continue to work within the multi‑agency project team on policies, pathways, roles and structures. Partners can direct questions or ideas to their SME contacts:

There are upcoming changes within the programme team. Caroline Ash, Programme Manager since April last year, will return to her role as Head of Assessment. Under her leadership, the programme has made significant progress, strengthened its foundations, and built real momentum for the next phase of delivery. From 1 April, Raul Butron will take over as Families First Programme Manager, bringing extensive leadership and experience of implementing FFPP in another local authority.

Partners are encouraged to continue engaging, sharing reflections, and supporting the programme’s development. Ongoing commitment and collaboration across organisations remain essential to improving outcomes for children and families in Hertfordshire.