Business urged to show their support for foster carers

A group of councils – including Derby City Council – have been recognised for their commitment to supporting employees who provide care to children and young people through fostering.

The city council, along with Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, and Nottinghamshire County Council, have all achieved Fostering Friendly status.

The accolade highlights the councils’ shared belief that foster carers should be empowered to continue their careers while making a vital difference in the lives of children.

The Fostering Friendly scheme, developed by The Fostering Network, recognises employers who support foster carers in the workplace.

It encourages practical actions such as offering paid time off for fostering related training and appointments, as well as providing flexible working arrangements to help foster carers balance their caring role with their jobs.

This support helps make fostering a more accessible and realistic option for working people, while also building a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

These councils are part of Foster for East Midlands Councils, a regional collaboration launched in 2024 to recruit more foster carers and improve consistency of support and training across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

By working together, the councils aim to keep more children in care close to their schools, families and communities, which leads to better outcomes and more stability for young people.

Businesses across the region are now being encouraged to consider how they can support fostering in ways that suit their capacity and culture.

By signing up to the Fostering Friendly scheme, organisations receive support to introduce relevant workplace policies, guidance on how to communicate their support publicly, and access to resources to help promote fostering within their networks.

Andy Smith, strategic director of people services at Derby City Council and spokesperson for Foster for East Midlands Councils, said: “I’m proud that all four councils have now been recognised as Fostering Friendly employers.

“This sends a strong message that fostering is valued and supported in our region.

“Backing foster carers through the workplace is not only the right thing to do for families and children, it also creates a more engaged and loyal workforce.

“I hope other employers will be inspired to follow our lead and show their support for those doing this vital work.”

To find out more about becoming a Fostering Friendly employer visit https://fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk/support/how-businesses-can-support-fostering/.