The Chief Officer Legal, Regulatory, HR and Corporate Policy presented a report seeking approval of a new Fostering Friendly Employer Policy. The Fostering Network in Wales had been calling for employers to become more foster friendly to address some of the national challenges around fostering. The aim of this policy was to offer Council employees the opportunity to work flexibly where this was compatible with the demands of their job, to support employees who were already registered foster carers and to encourage other employees to consider becoming foster careers going forward. Approval of this policy would support the Council's application to be recognised as a “Fostering Friendly Employer” and, if approved, they would be submitting that application.

The Deputy Leader supported the policy and added that the vitally important role that foster carers undertook was not always appreciated and could offer stability and nurture to some of the most vulnerable children and young people giving them better life chances. They needed to ensure that officers felt supported in one of the most challenging but rewarding roles that they could undertake. 

The Cabinet Member for Future Generations explained that he wished to be associated with these comments as he was someone that had personally benefited from foster care. The massive difference it made to individual’s lives was important and as an employer it was vital to be as supportive as possible. 

The Leader added that this was an opportunity to help bust a myth around fostering that it was not possible to work and foster. That was not the case and many foster carers combined that role very effectively. This would also allow the opportunity to work flexibly where that was compatible with the demands of the role, based on a discussion between a worker and their line manager. 

RESOLVED:        Cabinet:

· Approved the Fostering Friendly Employer Policy

· Supported the Council becoming a recognised Fostering   Friendly employer