Fostering Friendly employers scheme

Becoming a Fostering Friendly employer is something to be proud of

Fostering Friendly is The Fostering Network's programme to encourage employers to support fostering, and in particular, foster carers.

Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) are proud to be officially recognised as a Fostering Friendly employer. We support staff who are foster carers, and those who are looking to become one, by offering paid leave and flexible working options.

About the Fostering Friendly scheme

The Fostering Friendly employers scheme offers businesses of any size the chance to make a difference in their local community.

Those who combine fostering with other work (40%) say that a supportive employer is vital, enabling them to balance employment with looking after children.

The scheme helps employers to support and recognise the role of employees who foster and involves no direct costs. Members of the scheme agree to put a Fostering Friendly HR policy in place which offers flexible working and paid time off for foster carers to train and settle a child into their home.

Employers receive all the advice and support they need to join the scheme. The Fostering Network will provide a template HR policy which can be adapted.

Benefits for employers include:

being able to display the Fostering Friendly logo with pride.
being included within the published list of Fostering Friendly employers
improving the support offered to staff, making the workplace friendlier for foster carers which in turn benefits the children in their care, and makes it easier for people to consider fostering
sharing in the celebration of foster care and the vital role it has in transforming children’s lives
being a responsible company with a strong, long-term commitment in the area

To find out more, or to find out if your employer is already Fostering Friendly email fosteringfriendly@fostering.net.

If you are a BHCC employee and would like to know more, send an email to fosteringrecruitment@brighton-hove.gov.uk.