British Association for Adoption & Fostering

British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) was formed in 1980 to support, advise and campaign for better outcomes for children in care. It works across the spectrum of adoption and fostering activities and its services include family finding, its monthly newspaper Be My Parent and an adoption register to help find families for hundreds of children every year. BAAF also provides advice, publishes books and runs training courses.

- Where is it based?

BAAF has regional and country offices throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Its head office is in London.

- What roles are available?

Approximately 100 staff work for BAAF - some on a part-time basis, with some opportunities for home working. As well as personnel, finance and communications, the organisation has roles in areas such as child placement, training, events and consultation.

- What training is available?

All staff members receive an initial induction. Further training is then assessed on an annual basis as part of the appraisal process. Training, seminars and conferences are a key plank of BAAF's services and are available nationwide.

- What is the package like?

Staff receive 25 days' holiday a year, plus five set BAAF days around bank holidays. Three days per year are also available as dependents' leave. Flexible working is available and staff also benefit from season ticket loans and a counselling service.

- What else is BAAF up to?

BAAF is campaigning in a number of areas, including making data more available to adults who were in care and children conceived through donor assistance. It has recently commended local authorities that have been successful in recruiting same-sex couples for adoption and fostering, a move that was enabled by legal changes in 2005. It also supports National Adoption Week.