CHCP are Fostering Friendly

10 March, 2025

City Health Care Partnership CIC are happy to announce we are now a Fostering Friendly employer – a programme by The Fostering Network, which helps organisations to actively support fostering and, in particular, foster carer employees.

We have implemented a policy to make a real difference to our colleagues who foster and support others in becoming approved foster carers themselves.

CHCP offer a flexible working pattern to foster carers and those going through the application process, who can access a minimum of five days extra paid leave for their fostering commitments.

These involve meetings with social workers and other agencies, attending training, settling young people into their new home and more.

Giles Bridgeman, director of corporate development and people at CHCP, explains. “We want to support our colleagues to be foster carers and to encourage and support others to do the same. Fostering is a vital service for children and young people in our communities and we want to make it as easy as possible for people who work at CHCP to take on this role.”

The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity. Their executive chair Mervyn Erskine says, “Becoming a Fostering Friendly employer is something to be really proud of. Foster carers are the bedrock of children’s social care, for the difference they make to the lives of children. It is important that this vital role is not only recognised but also encouraged by their employers.

“By supporting existing foster carers and promoting the role to other employees, this helps to build on the thousands of extra fostering households needed in the UK, for the children who need them most.

“The scheme is free to join and suitable for organisations of any size; please get in touch with The Fostering Network to join the growing number of Fostering Friendly employers.”

There’s a national shortage of 7,200 fostering households and the areas where CHCP provides services are no exception.

The fostering community is open to people from all walks of life, no matter your age, gender, relationship status or sexual orientation. If you are considering fostering, please get in touch with your local fostering service to find out more.