Local employers are encouraged to play their part in supporting vulnerable children by becoming Fostering Friendly Employers, a national scheme led by The Fostering Network that helps working foster carers balance employment with caring responsibilities.
Across the UK, more than 70,000 children and young people currently live with foster families, and the number continues to rise. Every 20 minutes, another child comes into care. While foster carers provide vital stability and care, a national shortage means too many children are placed far from their schools, friends and wider family networks, which can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing.
Becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer offers local businesses a practical way to be part of the solution.
Supporting foster carers in the workplace
Nearly 40% of foster carers combine fostering with part-time or full-time work, and many say that having a supportive employer makes all the difference. The Fostering Friendly Employers scheme encourages organisations of any size to introduce a simple HR policy that recognises the unique demands of fostering.
This includes offering:
- Flexible working arrangements
- Paid time off for fostering-related training
- Time to support a child settling into a new placement
The scheme involves no direct financial cost to employers, but delivers real benefits for employees, businesses and the wider community.
One foster carer employed by a Fostering Friendly organisation said:
“My manager is very understanding. If I need time off at short notice because we have an emergency placement or a medical appointment for one of the foster children, it’s no problem.”
Benefits for businesses and communities
Employers who join the scheme are recognised for being socially responsible and people-focused. Benefits include:
- Strengthening employer brand and reputation
- Demonstrating commitment to staff wellbeing and work–life balance
- Supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Playing a direct role in helping children remain connected to their local community
Organisations also become part of a national network that celebrates foster care and raises awareness of the vital role foster carers play.
How to become a Fostering Friendly Employer
Organisations interested in becoming Fostering Friendly receive guidance and support from The Fostering Network throughout the process. This includes help to develop a tailored policy and approval to proudly display the Fostering Friendly logo once accredited.
Becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer is a straightforward process, but it can have a significant impact on your employees and on fostering.
- Email fosteringfriendly@fostering.net and request a draft policy.
- Adapt the draft policy to meet your needs.
- Send back your policy and arrange a call to answer any questions you have.
- Get your policy approved (or support to help you get approved).
- Get added to the list of Fostering Friendly employers.
For employers who are not yet ready to join the scheme, there are many other ways to show support, including:
- Displaying fostering posters and leaflets
- Hosting staff information sessions
- Featuring fostering stories in internal communications
- Supporting fostering events and activities
Local employers who would like to find out more about supporting foster carers and children in their community are encouraged to get in touch for an informal conversation.
Making a real difference
By becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer, local businesses can help ensure more children stay close to the people and places that matter most to them — while showing employees that their caring responsibilities are truly valued.
