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Fostering Friendly is The Fostering Network's programme to encourage employers to support fostering and foster carers who are employed in their organisation.
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WHAT IS FOSTERING FRIENDLY?

The Fostering Network’s Fostering Friendly employers scheme offers businesses and organisations of any size a chance to make a difference for foster carers and the children they care for in their local communities and improve support for their own employees at the same time.

Nearly 40 per cent of foster carers combine fostering with other work. Those who do say that a supportive employer can make all the difference, enabling them to balance employment with looking after children.

The Fostering Network’s Fostering Friendly employers’ scheme helps employers to support and recognise the roles of their employees who foster and involves no direct costs. Employers agree to put in place a fostering friendly HR policy for all foster carers in their employment (regardless of their fostering service). This includes offering foster carers flexible working and paid time off for training and settling a new child into their home.

SUPPORT AND BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS

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fostering friendly employer status

The Fostering Network publish a list of Fostering Friendly employers and will help promote and celebrate your new status.
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support your staff

Fostering Friendly employers can improve support for staff, making workplaces friendlier for foster carers, benefiting the children in their care and also making it easier for people to consider fostering.
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Fostering Excellence Award

Every year The Fostering Network also present a Fostering Friendly employer with a prestigious Fostering Excellence Award.

Find out more about Support and Benefits for Employers

There is lot of support for employers to become Fostering Friendly and the Fostering Network has a dedicated team to give you all the advice and support you need to join the scheme. The Fostering Network is a Fostering Friendly employer and they will be able to share a template HR policy.

For information or to start your journey to becoming a Fostering Friendly employer, you can contact the team by emailing: fosteringfriendly@fostering.net

Benefits:

  • Once you are approved, you can display your Fostering Friendly logo with pride.
  • Fostering Network publish a list of Fostering Friendly employers and will help promote and celebrate your new status.
  • Fostering Friendly employers can improve support for staff, making workplaces friendlier for foster carers, benefiting the children in their care and also making it easier for people to consider fostering.
  • You will share in the celebration of foster care and the vital role it has in transforming children’s lives.
  • Every year the Fostering Network also present a Fostering Friendly employer with a prestigious Fostering Excellence Award.

SUPPORT AND BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES

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additional ANNUAL LEAVE

At least 5 days paid annual leave for your fostering commitments
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FLEXIBLE WORKING

A flexible approach to work and unplanned leave, in recognition of your role as a foster carer
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Foster Care Fortnight

Commitment to celebrating fostering at work and Foster Care Fortnight

Find out more about Support and Benefits for Employees

Fostering Friendly employers have made a commitment to supporting fostering and foster carers and will understand the role and commitment of being a foster carer.

As a foster carer working for a Fostering Friendly employer, you will benefit from a verity of support and flexibility at work. Your employer will have a HR policy that includes:

  • Improved support, making workplaces friendlier for foster carers.
  • At least 5 days paid annual leave for your fostering commitments.
  • A flexible approach to work and unplanned leave, in recognition of your role as a foster carer.
  • Commitment to celebrating fostering at work and Foster Care Fortnight.

If you work for a fostering friendly employer and are considering fostering, you can speak to a member of the Foster for Greater Manchester team by submitting an enquiry or by contating 0300 303 0321

"My employer is Fostering Friendly, and they have always been so supportive. They are really proud that they have got someone on the team that fosters. So, it works out for us both, as they they’ve promoted that they are supportive of fostering."
Foster Carer of a Fostering Friendly Employer

Fostering Friendly Employers in Greater Manchester (Charities & Businesses)

B&Q

Blue Cross

HCRG Care Group

John Lewis Partnership

KPMG

Metro Bank

Nationwide

PSS (UK)

Santander

Screwfix

 

Fostering Friendly Employers in Greater Manchester (Public Services)

Greater Manchester Combined Authority 

NHS Greater Manchester 

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

Bury Council

Bolton Council

Rochdale Borough Council

Manchester City Council

Oldham Council

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

Stockport Council

Trafford Council

Salford City Council

Wigan Council

Bolton Council

Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust

Department for Education

Home Office

 

Contact Us

Contact Us

Are you interested in fostering in Greater Manchester? Speak to your local authority to find out more.