How businesses can support fostering

As a local business, you can play a vital role in supporting fostering in your community. We all share a responsibility to help vulnerable children and build brighter futures—and your business can help by supporting Foster for East Midlands.

By joining the Fostering in the East Midlands Councils campaign, your business can make a real difference, from displaying posters and sharing information with staff to becoming a Foster Friendly employer.

There are many meaningful ways your business can help raise awareness and support fostering locally, both within your organisation and in the wider community:

• Display fostering posters in staff areas to boost visibility
• Include fostering information in internal newsletters and staff updates
• Share fostering messages on your business's social media channels
• Add fostering content to your HR platforms or employee web page
• Host a staff information session to raise awareness and answer questions
• Offer promotional space for fostering materials for internal employees or customer-facing
• Host or sponsor local fostering events/resources for our carers and their children
• Offer discounts or small rewards to foster families as a gesture of appreciation
• Provide opportunities for our children in care and care leavers, for example apprenticeships or work experience
• Attend a business breakfast event to learn more and pledge your support

This list is just a starting point. There are plenty of ways to get involved. Got ideas or questions? Email us at hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk to discuss how you can get involved

At Foster for East Midlands, we proudly support The Fostering Network’s Fostering Friendly Employers scheme. This initiative helps businesses of all sizes support foster carers, the children they care for, and their own employees.

Becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer is simple but makes a lasting impact. Your business can help create brighter futures while offering practical support to staff who foster.

Here's how to get started:

• Contact Foster for East Midlands – we’ll support you through the process, offering one to one guidance and example policies to help you meet the criteria.
• We’ll provide a draft policy to get you started.
• Adapt the policy – tailor the draft to fit your organisation’s needs.
• Submit your policy for review to the Fostering Network, who will offer feedback or approval.
• Celebrate your new status – once approved, you’ll be listed as a Fostering Friendly Employer and recognised on social media.