Fostering and your business
Embrace fostering in your business and form a partnership with Hampshire County Council Fostering Service
Supporting fostering as a local Hampshire business
Nearly 40% of foster carers nationally combine fostering with other employment. Though foster carers receive financial support in their efforts to care for vulnerable children, we recognise that it is critical we work collaboratively with corporate partners across the region so they can play an important role in transforming the lives of children in care and provide the motivation, confidence, opportunity and understanding to their employees to do so.
We would like to invite your local business to begin a journey with Hampshire County Council Fostering Service in which we together can transform perceptions of fostering in communities and networks, promote your businesses’ social consciousness and values and champion it as an employer that recognises the 530 families who provide an invaluable and aspiring platform of care.
"Hampshire County Council Fostering Service have taken the opportunity of partnering with Hampshire Football Association for this season. Since the partnership launched, we have been able to provide perks in the form of tickets for Premier League matches for foster carers and their children to attend and enjoy a game and discounts for use of the pitch at the facilities. We have also had staff from Hampshire County Council Fostering Service attend our commercial networking meeting to meet other partners, to promote the organisation and to discuss the workplace fostering policies as well. It has only been a few months but the visibility that has already been generated for the organisation, has led to meaningful discussions and connections with other partners as well as with the association too!".
- Isabella, Business Development Lead at Hampshire FA
Frequently asked questions
What does support look like?
- Joint creation of press releases and website stories about working in partnership.
- Advertising and marketing opportunities.
- Shared use of logos on marketing materials.
- Reshare campaign, services and opportunities on social media.
- Host events for foster carers and their children (foster and birth).
- Pop-up information stands to find new foster carers.
- Training opportunities to key community groups, foster carers, and Hampshire County Council’s Fostering Services.
- Provide engagement opportunities to key community groups, foster carers, and Hampshire County Council’s Fostering Service.
- Promote Hampshire County Council Fostering Services to employers and customers.
How can a partnership transform my business?
- Partnership with an outstanding local authority.
- Supporting events locally, county-wide or regionally.
- Brand exposure and awareness.
- Marketing and communications collaboration.
- Resources e.g. leaflets, recruitment kits.
- Guest speakers and bespoke events on fostering.
- Volunteering opportunities.
- Fulfil your corporate social responsibility.
- An opportunity to make a difference to Hampshire’s most vulnerable children.
What quick-wins can businesses make to support foster carers?
Communications for fostering services
Consider the impact of your current policy and practice on the recruitment and retention of foster carers and what issues would need to be addressed to support foster carers who work for you.
Recruitment
Be open to foster carers working – so long as this is balanced with the interests of the child. Recruit the foster carers you need and allow foster carers to continue working until the first placement is made – too many are without placements and without an income. Or, consider promoting fostering to working people, for example to recruit foster carers with particular skills through Recommend a Carer schemes.
Be flexible about times of meetings and training
Consider the diversity of your foster carer population and offer alternative meeting and training options, such as conference calls or online training. Or, acknowledge evidenced work-related training as part of a foster carer’s training portfolio.
‘Foster’ a welcoming culture
Ensure there is a culture in professional community that values the efforts of foster carers, including those who work within your employment. This can be achieved via clear communication, training and friendly policies.