Employers throughout England are being called upon to support the nation’s foster carers by developing and introducing foster friendly employment policies following the publication of a new report by leading charity, The Fostering Network.

Combining Fostering and Other Work is part of a two-year project funded by the Department for Education, and includes findings from a survey of foster carers who combine fostering with another job – the first of its kind in the country. The report highlights that foster carers say that they need more flexibility and understanding from employers, who often do not appreciated the challenges of fostering.  Some 60 per cent of foster carers believe that a foster family friendly HR policy would help them to work and foster.

Dr Lucy Peake, director of development at The Fostering Network, said: “Many employers are already on board with fostering and 50 per cent of foster carers in employment said they had a manager sympathetic to their fostering. “This does leave the other half who do not have a supportive manager as far as fostering is concerned. Worryingly, only 16 per cent work for an employer which has a foster carer friendly HR policy. Employers that give foster carers who work for them increased flexibility are not only having a huge positive impact on the foster carer, but also on the children in their care. Fostering helps employees develop skills which will in turn have a positive impact on the workplace and can repay the flexibility shown to them.”

Children and families minister Edward Timpson, who grew up with over 80 fostered brothers and sisters said: “I want us to recruit more foster carers from a wider range of backgrounds and to remove barriers that may stand in their way. It’s perfectly possible to combine fostering with work when backed by a supportive and flexible employer. There are many excellent and supportive employers as well as fostering services out there, and I want all to now consider how they can go further in supporting employees who foster.”The Fostering Network is developing the Fostering Family Friendly Employers scheme and will support employers to develop good practice. We will also be encouraging fostering services to improve flexibility and support for foster carers who also take on additional work. The report contains fostering friendly HR policies and case studies from organisations that are already reaping the benefits from fostering friendly HR policies.