The Department for Education has today (27 November) published the protocol of a random control trial (RCT) piloting embedding systemic practice in early help keyworker teams. The pilot is being led by Coram’s Institute for Children with evaluation partners Ecorys and delivery partners the Institute of Family Therapy (IFT).
Systemic practice is a relational approach that focuses on the interconnectedness between individuals, families, and their social context, rather than solely on a single person. It views problems as existing within the relationships and patterns of interaction, and aims to create change by helping families understand and alter these dynamics to improve outcomes for everyone involved. This practice emphasises collaboration, communication, and building on the strengths and resources within a system to generate lasting change.
The systemic practice pilot includes funding for five days of training in systemic practice for all keyworkers in early help teams in designated local authorities along with a further 10 days of training (constituting 15 days of training) for a selection of keyworkers. Alongside this is funding for a dedicated full-time systemic practitioner to embed systemic practice within keyworker teams and a virtual systemic practice hub housing learning materials and forums.
The pilot began in October 2024 in six local authorities across England. Four additional local authorities are in the RCT’s control group and have been provided with training or funding for a systemic practitioner in the pilot.
The pilot will end in April 2026 with findings in autumn 2026. It is hoped findings will inform the Families First Partnership programme delivery and wider children’s social care policy, including the Government’s reform of children’s social care.
Max Stanford, Managing Director of Research Programmes at Coram said: “Keyworkers are an important part of the support provided to children and families in challenging circumstances. We are excited to be leading this pilot in partnership with the Department for Education, working with IFT and Ecorys. We see it as vitally important to drive the evidence around the effectiveness of keyworker practice in local areas to ensure that children and families in need have the whole family support that they need at the right time.”
The full protocol can be found on the DfE website here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/systemic-practice-pilot-trial