Professional Development Workshop

Family Works Central’s Professional Development Workshop Series supports New Zealand’s social service sector, particularly those working with children, parents and families.

Suited to those working in social service, health, education and other related industries; the Family Works sponsored workshops are run by local and international experts and thought leaders who deliver a range of practical, innovative and inspirational professional development.

Family Works Central’s mission is to make Aotearoa New Zealand the best place in the world to grow up – a place where children are safe and families flourish. The workshops support this mission by offering affordable and innovative professional development opportunities to the sector.

Upcoming workshops

There are currently no professional development workshops on offer. If you would like to be kept informed of future professional development workshops, sign up to Family Works Central’s newsletter.

Previous workshops

Restorative Schools
Presented by: Chris Straker (UK)

The Restorative Schools workshop examined the experience of creating a restorative school. Participants heard the first hands experiences of international restorative practice expert and teacher, Chris Straker who has been at the forefront of the restorative practice in schools movement in the UK.

Attendees gained valuable insight into the behaviours, language and culture change needed for a restorative school.

Positive supervision workshop
Presented by: Dr Fredrike P. Bannink of Holland

Dr Fredrike Bannink is a world-renowned clinical psychologist, supervisor, Master of Dispute Resolution, international presenter, trainer and author. In this practical, interactive workshop participants learnt the four key solution-focused questions and many practical tools to use in positive supervision.

The workshop was held in September 2016 and feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

What the participants said:

• “Everything was significant and relevant to me.”
• “Great to feel connected with Family Works and meet others involved in the work.”
• “I will use this practice in all aspects of my work and life.”

Working Restoratively with Families
Interactive workshop with Jim McGrath of Ireland

Jim facilitated an extended workshop exploring the approach needed to work restoratively with families.

The workshop was held in November 2016. Participants were excited to apply their learning to their everyday roles. They said:

• “Good day. Informative and well facilitated from an experienced and skilled practitioner.”
• “Very enjoyable. Lots of info. Practical exercises. Awesome.”
• “This trainer is outstanding. Best training this year!”
• “I can use all of what I learned today in my parenting courses and especially restorative justice conferencing.”