Helping professionals provide their services more effectively through building trusting relationships with parents
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Paul Prichard (PhD)
With years of experience working with families and communities, I’m passionate about building authentic connections and creating spaces where everyone feels heard and valued. My focus has always been on engaging families, especially those who might feel disconnected from services, and working with them in the design of service approaches that truly meet their needs.
I’ve been lucky to lead projects like the design and implementation of a learning and development strategy to support the development of Tasmania’s Integrated Child and Family Learning Centres and training professionals across Australia in the Family Partnership Model. I’m also a proud advocate for dads, having developed programs and resources to support fathers in their parenting journeys.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me in beautiful Tasmania, spending time with my wife, Leanne, and our three adult sons. I love sharing my passion for collaboration and community to help make a real difference in people’s lives.
Paul Prichard (PhD)
With decades of practical experience and personal research interests, Paul Prichard is a highly sought-after speaker known for addressing a diverse range of audiences on topics such as building authentic partnerships, engaging families, relational practices, and involving parents as collaborators in service delivery. His commitment to enhancing early childhood services has made him a recognized advocate for family engagement and community involvement.
Paul’s extensive experience in guiding families through difficult times fuels his dedication to genuinely connecting with communities. He strives to amplify the voices of disengaged families in the design and implementation of early childhood services, ensuring that their unique needs and insights are prioritized.
Before starting his own consultancy, Paul served as the Training and Development Manager at the Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Victoria. In this capacity, he led the development and rollout of programs aimed at strengthening relationships between practitioners and parents, as well as fostering collaboration among professionals. His contributions were instrumental in the early design and implementation of Integrated Early Years Centres in Tasmania, where he spearheaded the Learning and Development Strategy. This initiative promoted genuine co-design between community members and practitioners, resulting in the collaborative creation of service environments and locally responsive practices.
Prior to his role at CCCH, Paul played a vital part in establishing Good Beginnings Australia, working there from its inception in 1997 until 2009. His dedication to improving services for families was recognized with a Centenary Medal from the Commonwealth Government for his impactful work during this time.
For over two decades, Paul has been an accredited trainer and facilitator of the internationally recognized Family Partnership Model (Centre for Parent & Child Support, UK). He is one of Australia’s foremost leaders on this model and has worked directly with its authors to provide training for academics and practitioners in South Korea. Paul regularly conducts training sessions for facilitators and practice supervisors of this model across Australia.
In addition to his work with families, Paul is deeply committed to promoting the essential role that fathers play in their children’s lives. He has created and facilitated various father-specific programs, including antenatal sessions for expectant fathers. He has worked as a consultant for Plan International and Nokia, contributing to the development of a suite of electronic messages for fathers in developing countries, providing them with current information on infant development and parent-child attachment.
Paul earned his PhD in 2018, focusing on parents' experiences with parenting services and exploring the potential for parents to act as co-workers in making these services more accessible to families who often find them difficult to engage with.
Currently, Paul resides in Tasmania with his wife, Leanne, and enjoys family life with their three young adult sons, each of whom is pursuing his own career path. Paul’s passion for community engagement and his commitment to improving early childhood services continue to inspire those working with families and children across Australia.
Paul Prichard (PhD)
With decades of practical experience and personal research interests, Paul Prichard is a highly sought-after speaker known for addressing a diverse range of audiences on topics such as building authentic partnerships, engaging families, relational practices, and involving parents as collaborators in service delivery. His commitment to enhancing early childhood services has made him a recognized advocate for family engagement and community involvement.
Paul’s extensive experience in guiding families through difficult times fuels his dedication to genuinely connecting with communities. He strives to amplify the voices of disengaged families in the design and implementation of early childhood services, ensuring that their unique needs and insights are prioritized.Before starting his own consultancy, Paul served as the Training and Development Manager at the Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Victoria. In this capacity, he led the development and rollout of programs aimed at strengthening relationships between practitioners and parents, as well as fostering collaboration among professionals. His contributions were instrumental in the early design and implementation of Integrated Early Years Centres in Tasmania, where he spearheaded the Learning and Development Strategy. This initiative promoted genuine co-design between community members and practitioners, resulting in the collaborative creation of service environments and locally responsive practices.Prior to his role at CCCH, Paul played a vital part in establishing Good Beginnings Australia, working there from its inception in 1997 until 2009. His dedication to improving services for families was recognized with a Centenary Medal from the Commonwealth Government for his impactful work during this time.For over two decades, Paul has been an accredited trainer and facilitator of the internationally recognized Family Partnership Model (Centre for Parent & Child Support, UK). He is one of Australia’s foremost leaders on this model and has worked directly with its authors to provide training for academics and practitioners in South Korea. Paul regularly conducts training sessions for facilitators and practice supervisors of this model across Australia.In addition to his work with families, Paul is deeply committed to promoting the essential role that fathers play in their children’s lives. He has created and facilitated various father-specific programs, including antenatal sessions for expectant fathers. He has worked as a consultant for Plan International and Nokia, contributing to the development of a suite of electronic messages for fathers in developing countries, providing them with current information on infant development and parent-child attachment.Paul earned his PhD in 2018, focusing on parents' experiences with parenting services and exploring the potential for parents to act as co-workers in making these services more accessible to families who often find them difficult to engage with.Currently, Paul resides in Tasmania with his wife, Leanne, and enjoys family life with their three young adult sons, each of whom is pursuing his own career path. Paul’s passion for community engagement and his commitment to improving early childhood services continue to inspire those working with families and children across Australia.
The effect you have left behind has been a positive one. The feedback we have received from leaders was that they have felt inspired, affirmed and uplifted. The afternoon workshop was particularly well received with leaders and colleagues feeling that the time to slow down and deeply think was just what they needed at that time.
Thank you, Paul, for generously sharing your wisdom, with kindness and compassion as I strengthen my own belief system, trusting myself and my practice and, shaking my unhelpful constructs of self. You create such a sense of safety which deepens the opportunity to turn within and be open to learning and enriching skills.
Engagement Worker Team Leader Department for Education, Children and Young People Learning Services South
I feel so very fortunate and blessed to have been given the opportunity to attend your supervision group – it was life changing – I truly learned so much within that space! You are incredibly talented with the work you do Paul, I feel that time was very well spent, and if I can help a staff member (the way you helped, supported and challenged me!) to support their work with families and challenge and shift their constructs, while being able to maintain the balance within the roles of partnership… well, I will be very excited!
Clinical Nurse Consultant Child and Family Health
For a number of years now I have benefitted from learning from and working with Paul. His ability to translate the findings from his own research, training and experience regarding building partnerships with families is exceptional. I am a better clinician for knowing him and continue to grow in my ability to help families and other professionals thanks to his ongoing support.
Developmental paediatrician and founder of Guiding Growing Minds
I knew of Paul Prichard well before I met and worked with him. His reputation for being knowledgeable, and very effective in his understanding and application of the Family Partnership Model (FPM) preceded him. When our paths crossed, my first impression was that Paul was everything others had said about him and more. He has the ability to be warm and engaging while also being purposeful and challenging. At the same time he demonstrates a genuine humility which is refreshing. I can’t recommend Paul Prichard more highly.
MN CFH | FPM NSW Coordinator &Clinical Leadership and Support Karitane
I highly recommend Paul as an exceptional Early Years and relational trainer. His practical framework and strategies have greatly improved my ability to foster strong connections with practitioners who support children and families. Paul’s guidance has shaped my approach to working with early years professionals, equipping me with skills I now confidently share. His positive attitude, expertise, and calm demeanor have significantly impacted my growth, inspiring me to promote the importance of relational connections in the sector.
Early Years Facilitator
I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with Paul and to continue learning from him. His authenticity and values-driven approach set him apart, fostering trust, transparency, and shared purpose in every collaboration. Paul doesn’t just promote teamwork; he embodies it, creating a culture of genuine partnership. His influence has profoundly shaped my work and that of many others. Paul is a leader whose expertise and approach leave a lasting impact on everyone around him.
Organisational Psychologist
(AHPRA registered, APS Member)
I first met Paul in 1997 as National Director of Good Beginnings Australia. Paul is an extraordinary professional with a deep understanding of respectful relationships and their role in family behavioral change. His empathy and natural respect allowed him to engage effectively with families, training groups, and large audiences, extending his impact far beyond his immediate work. As National Training Manager, Paul contributed significantly to program development and was a standout presenter, passionately advocating for early childhood support and parental empowerment.
At my first meeting with Paul Prichard nearly 30 years ago, I recognized his deep empathy for families with young children. Later, as I helped establish the First Steps Count Centre in Taree, NSW, I saw Paul's expertise firsthand through his involvement in integrated child and family centres across Tasmania. His skill in training early childhood practitioners has greatly benefited our team and community, enhancing service delivery. We’re so fortunate to have Paul’s guidance, and I’m deeply grateful for his enduring friendship.
The effect you have left behind has been a positive one. The feedback we have received from leaders was that they have felt inspired, affirmed and uplifted. The afternoon workshop was particularly well received with leaders and colleagues feeling that the time to slow down and deeply think was just what they needed at that time.
Program Lead, Integrated SitesEarly Childhood Programs, Preschools and Early Childhood Services
Thank you, Paul, for generously sharing your wisdom, with kindness and compassion as I strengthen my own belief system, trusting myself and my practice and, shaking my unhelpful constructs of self. You create such a sense of safety which deepens the opportunity to turn within and be open to learning and enriching skills.
Engagement Worker Team Leader Department for Education, Children and Young PeopleLearning Services South
I feel so very fortunate and blessed to have been given the opportunity to attend your supervision group – it was life changing – I truly learned so much within that space! You are incredibly talented with the work you do Paul, I feel that time was very well spent, and if I can help a staff member (the way you helped, supported and challenged me!) to support their work with families and challenge and shift their constructs, while being able to maintain the balance within the roles of partnership… well, I will be very excited!
Clinical Nurse Consultant
Child and Family Health
For a number of years now I have benefitted from learning from and working with Paul. His ability to translate the findings from his own research, training and experience regarding building partnerships with families is exceptional. I am a better clinician for knowing him and continue to grow in my ability to help families and other professionals thanks to his ongoing support.
Developmental paediatrician &
founder of Guiding Growing Minds
I knew of Paul Prichard well before I met and worked with him. His reputation for being knowledgeable, and very effective in his understanding and application of the Family Partnership Model (FPM) preceded him. When our paths crossed, my first impression was that Paul was everything others had said about him and more. He has the ability to be warm and engaging while also being purposeful and challenging. At the same time he demonstrates a genuine humility which is refreshing. I can’t recommend Paul Prichard more highly.
MN CFH | FPM NSW Coordinator &
Clinical Leadership and Support Karitane
Paul’s unique ability to challenge thinking and practice in ways that are both safe and engaging, allows participants to deeply reflect on their work and translate these insights into meaningful action. His partnership-based approach fosters curious conversations, encouraging participants to think deeply and critically. Participants enhance their reflective practice and strengthen their ability to build genuine relationships with families and communities. Paul's expertise is invaluable for those seeking to evolve their practice with depth and authenticity.
Collaboration Facilitator and Consultant,
Western Australia
Thank you, Paul, for generously sharing your wisdom, with kindness and compassion as I strengthen my own belief system, trusting myself and my practice and, shaking my unhelpful constructs of self. You create such a sense of safety which deepens the opportunity to turn within and be open to learning and enriching skills.
Engagement Worker Team Leader Department for Education, Children and Young People Learning Services South
I feel so very fortunate and blessed to have been given the opportunity to attend your supervision group – it was life changing – I truly learned so much within that space! You are incredibly talented with the work you do Paul, I feel that time was very well spent, and if I can help a staff member (the way you helped, supported and challenged me!) to support their work with families and challenge and shift their constructs, while being able to maintain the balance within the roles of partnership… well, I will be very excited!
Clinical Nurse Consultant
Child and Family Health
For a number of years now I have benefitted from learning from and working with Paul. His ability to translate the findings from his own research, training and experience regarding building partnerships with families is exceptional. I am a better clinician for knowing him and continue to grow in my ability to help families and other professionals thanks to his ongoing support.
Developmental paediatrician &
founder of Guiding Growing Minds
I knew of Paul Prichard well before I met and worked with him. His reputation for being knowledgeable, and very effective in his understanding and application of the Family Partnership Model (FPM) preceded him. When our paths crossed, my first impression was that Paul was everything others had said about him and more. He has the ability to be warm and engaging while also being purposeful and challenging. At the same time he demonstrates a genuine humility which is refreshing. I can’t recommend Paul Prichard more highly.
MN CFH | FPM NSW Coordinator &
Clinical Leadership and Support Karitane
At my first meeting with Paul Prichard nearly 30 years ago, I recognized his deep empathy for families with young children. Later, as I helped establish the First Steps Count Centre in Taree, NSW, I saw Paul's expertise firsthand through his involvement in integrated child and family centres across Tasmania. His skill in training early childhood practitioners has greatly benefited our team and community, enhancing service delivery. We’re so fortunate to have Paul’s guidance, and I’m deeply grateful for his enduring friendship.
I first met Paul in 1997 as National Director of Good Beginnings Australia. Paul is an extraordinary professional with a deep understanding of respectful relationships and their role in family behavioural change. His empathy and natural respect allowed him to engage effectively with families, training groups, and large audiences, extending his impact far beyond his immediate work. As National Training Manager, Paul contributed significantly to program development and was a standout presenter, passionately advocating for early childhood support and parental empowerment.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with Paul and to continue learning from him. His authenticity and values-driven approach sets him apart, fostering trust, transparency, and shared purpose in every collaboration. Paul doesn’t just promote teamwork; he embodies it, creating a culture of genuine partnership. His influence has profoundly shaped my work and that of many others. Paul is a leader whose expertise and approach leave a lasting impact on everyone around him.
Organisational Psychologist
I highly recommend Paul as an exceptional Early Years and relational trainer. His practical framework and strategies have greatly improved my ability to foster strong connections with practitioners who support children and families. Paul’s guidance has shaped my approach to working with early years professionals, equipping me with skills I now confidently share. His positive attitude, expertise, and calm demeanor have significantly impacted my growth, inspiring me to promote the importance of relational connections in the sector.
Early Years Facilitator
Professionals who work with families can sometimes fall into the routine of providing support in very process focused ways. While this approach may be efficient for the service, it does not account for the unique context and diverse experiences that each family brings. Professionals can better support families by continuously reflecting on and improving their interactions and methods.
This ongoing reflection can open up new perspectives and create opportunities to transform their practices, enabling them to tailor their approaches to meet the specific needs of each family they serve. By embracing this mindset, professionals can enhance their effectiveness and build stronger, more meaningful connections with the families they support.
Paul can develop and deliver customised seminars and workshops to meet the needs of your team or organisation.
While many of the topics Paul focuses on are best explored with professionals in person, he is also skilled in online facilitation and delivery.
Short presentations (1-2 hours) that offer a broad overview of a particular topic
Detailed interactive workshops from a couple of hours to a couple of days that help participants explore concepts in detail and consider opportunities for changed practice.
Paul will facilitate discussions to help your team identify the “sharp edges” families often face within services. He will highlight specific obstacles, such as systemic issues and communication barriers, that can hinder family access and engagement.
Paul provides guidance on effectively blending relational and technical expertise. By emphasising the importance of both aspects, he will help your team adopt a more holistic approach to family support, ensuring that practitioners feel confident in their ability to address both emotional and practical needs.
Recognising that first impressions are crucial, Paul will explore techniques for making initial interactions with families positive and impactful. Paul will share techniques for making powerful first impressions, helping practitioners create welcoming environments and set a positive tone for ongoing family engagement.
Paul offers valuable insights into the behavioural dynamics of parents, helping your team understand why parents may respond in particular ways. Discover how professionals can respond to this to enhance the effectiveness of their interactions with families.
Paul can help encourage a culture of reflection within your team. He will guide practitioners in engaging in team reflection to foster personal and professional growth, ultimately positioning them to better support families and navigate complex situations.
Your team will gain valuable insights from the lived experiences of parents and children, enriching your support to be more relevant and tailored to family needs.
The video below is an extract from an interview that will give you a feel for some of Paul’s key messages.
