The Fostering Network

What is the Fostering Network?

The Fostering Network is the UK's biggest charity for people involved in foster care. It is committed to raising the standard of foster care for children and young people in the UK. It is a membership organisation representing 50,000 carers that campaigns on issues affecting foster carers and children in foster care. It also provides training packages for foster carers and organisations and runs information and advice services.

Where is it based?

National services are based in the London office in Southwark, which is also the centre for the England office. Offices in Cardiff, Belfast and Glasgow deal with fostering issues and carers in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

What roles are available?

The organisation has a large number of different roles that can alter due to changes in funding and priorities. As well as marketing, HR and finance, there are many different fostering-specific staff. Its care line Fosterline runs out of the London and Cardiff offices. Mediation workers assist carers who may be having problems with fostering services. The organisation is also involved in participation and has young people project managers. A publishing division produces a range of publications.

Is training available?

It is committed to supporting all staff members with their development.

What is the employment package?

The main elements are annual leave exceeding statutory holiday entitlement; employer pension contributions of up to eight per cent; a better than statutory maternity package; childcare voucher scheme, and an employee assistance programme. Flexible hours and home-based working are available.

What's in the pipeline?

Fostering Fortnight in May will see a campaign to increase the number of carers, and the network has been at the forefront of the drive to improve the standing of carers, to have them treated as social care professionals.