A COMMISSIONING organisation is celebrating after being recognised for its pioneering work to champion foster care within the health sector.
NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) was announced as the winner of The Fostering Network’s Fostering Friendly Employer of the Year at the virtual Fostering Excellence Awards on November 18.
The awards are the UK’s most prestigious foster care awards, celebrating outstanding achievement in fostering and recognise those who make exceptional contributions to foster care every day.
The Fostering Network, chief executive officer, Kevin Williams, said, “We are delighted to recognise NHS County Durham CCG as a Fostering Friendly Employer.
“Fostering Friendly employers put in place flexible policies to support their employees who foster and help raise awareness of the vital role foster carers play, all for the benefit of local children.
“There are around 65,000 children living in foster families in the UK and every 20 minutes another child comes into care in need of a foster family.
“We would encourage all employers to follow the example of NHS County Durham CCG in supporting those who would like to consider fostering.”
NHS County Durham CCG are the first Fostering Friendly employer within the health sector and received the award in recognition of their tireless work to raise awareness at every opportunity.
Alison Ferguson, Designated Nurse for Children in Care, NHS County Durham CCG, said, “It is so important to raise awareness around fostering and the positive opportunities that it can bring.
“This award will hopefully demonstrate that being employed is not a barrier to exploring a fostering journey as foster carers are still able to work and be supported whilst going through the fostering process.”
Becoming Fostering Friendly is a simple process with no cost attached.
To find out how your organisation can support your employees and benefit local children visit https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/get-involved/championing-fostering/fostering-friendly or contact fosteringfriendly@fostering.net