The Fostering Friendly programme, led by The Fostering Network, supports organisations to put practical measures in place that help employees who are foster carers, or who are going through the fostering approval process.
Supporting foster carers at work
Sandwell Children’s Trust provides a strong example of how employers can actively support foster carers in the workplace. Through practical policies, the Trust has created a more inclusive working environment for employees who foster or are considering fostering.
These measures include flexible working arrangements and access to a minimum of five additional days of paid leave, helping staff manage the realities of fostering alongside their professional responsibilities. The approach recognises the time and commitment involved, from training and meetings with social workers to supporting children as they settle into a new home and demonstrates how thoughtful workplace policies can make fostering a realistic option for employees.
Encouraging more people to foster
The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity and works with employers nationwide to promote fostering-friendly workplaces. Executive Chair Mervyn Erskine said:
“Becoming a Fostering Friendly employer is something to be really proud of. Foster carers are the bedrock of children’s social care for the difference they make to the lives of children. It is important that this vital role is not only recognised, but also encouraged by their employers.”
There remains a national shortage of fostering households, including within Sandwell. Supportive workplace policies play an important role in helping address this challenge.
A call to businesses
By supporting foster carers, employers can make a meaningful contribution to children’s lives while demonstrating strong social value and inclusive employment practices.
The Fostering Friendly scheme is free to join and open to organisations of all sizes.
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