The Fostering Friendly initiative, developed by The Fostering Network, is a UK-wide scheme that encourages employers to support foster carers in their workforce through simple, meaningful workplace policies. Surrey County Council proudly champions this initiative as part of its commitment to improving the lives of children in care and making fostering more accessible to a wider range of people.
What does it mean to be Fostering Friendly?
Becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer means reviewing your Human Resources (HR) policies to ensure they support staff who foster. This might include offering flexible working hours or paid time off for fostering-related training and meetings. These small changes can make a big difference in helping foster carers balance their work and caring responsibilities.
By signing the Fostering Friendly pledge, your organisation formally commits to supporting foster carers and promoting fostering awareness within your networks. You’ll also be encouraged to participate in national and local campaigns such as Foster Care Fortnight and Foster Walks.
How it works
The process of becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer is straightforward and supported every step of the way by Surrey County Council and The Fostering Network. You will:
- Review and adapt your HR policies to support foster carers.
- Sign the Fostering Friendly pledge.
- Promote fostering awareness through internal and external communications.
- Celebrate your status with official branding and recognition materials.
You’ll receive templates, promotional materials, and personalised support to help you implement the scheme effectively.
Why join?
By supporting foster carers in your workforce, you:
- Improve staff morale, loyalty, and retention.
- Enhance your reputation as a socially responsible employer.
- Gain visibility in local and national fostering campaigns.
- Join a respected network of employers making a real difference in their communities.
Whether you’re a small business or a large organisation, the scheme is flexible and can be tailored to your needs. Your involvement helps remove barriers to fostering and supports children in care across Surrey.
Recognition and rewards
As a Fostering Friendly Employer, you will receive:
- A window badge and framed certificate to display your commitment.
- A digital badge for your website and social media.
- A personal thank-you letter from Surrey’s fostering team.
- Invitations to special recognition events.
- Promotion through Surrey County Council’s communication channels.
Additional resources
Employers can also benefit from:
- Business Surrey: Free support for HR, funding, and community engagement.
- Surrey Adult Learning: Courses to support foster carers and staff development.
- Trading Standards Business Advice: Guidance on compliance and best practices.
Get in touch
If you’re ready to become a Fostering Friendly Employer or want to learn more, contact:
Write to Surrey County Council Fostering Service, Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
If you are based outside Surrey and do not employ a Surrey foster carer, contact The Fostering Network directly.
Surrey County Council is a Fostering Friendly employer.