NRG Riverside becomes a Fostering Friendly employer

A new chapter begins as NRG Riverside is now officially a Fostering Friendly employer, part of a fantastic programme run by The Fostering Network that helps organisations like ours support employees who foster or are interested in becoming foster carers.

This important step reflects our commitment to making a real difference in the lives of our employees who care for vulnerable children and young people. We’ve introduced a dedicated policy that recognises the unique responsibilities foster carers take on, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.

As part of our Fostering Friendly approach, we now offer flexible working arrangements and up to five extra days of paid leave for foster carers and those going through the approval process. This time can be used for training, attending meetings with social workers or other professionals, or simply helping a young person settle into their new home.

Jenny Cook, Chief People Officer at NRG Riverside, said:

“Supporting our people through processes that positively impact our local communities is really important to us. Our team is deeply dedicated to NRG Riverside, and we want to support them both in and outside of work wherever we can. Fostering is a meaningful and rewarding way to change a child’s life and help shape a brighter future for them.”

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.’

With a national shortage of around 7,200 fostering households, there’s an urgent need for more foster carers.

Fostering is open to people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, relationship status, or sexual orientation. If you’re considering becoming a foster carer, reach out to your local fostering service to learn more. You could change a child’s life and your own.

If you are considering fostering, please get in touch with your local fostering service to find out more.