John Lewis Partnership become the largest Fostering Friendly employer

We are delighted that today the John Lewis Partnership have announced they are a Fostering Friendly employer – the largest organisation to receive the accreditation so far. 

Fostering Friendly is The Fostering Network’s scheme which offers businesses of any size a chance to make a difference to foster carers and the children they care for in their local communities. By implementing the policy, organisations are committing to improve support for their existing foster carer and prospective foster carer employees.

The organisation has already done a lot to support and raise awareness of foster care, from their memorable Christmas ad to their Building Happier Futures Programme. Their commitment goes further, as during Foster Care Fortnight™ 2023 the retailer has announced that it will offer additional paid leave to all new foster carers within its businesses (John Lewis and Waitrose). 

Kate Lawson, director of external affairs at The Fostering Network and Building Happier Futures advisory board representative, says: ‘The John Lewis Partnership have done so much to support foster care and provide opportunities for care experienced young people and we are thrilled that their support does not stop there.

Becoming a Fostering Friendly employer - the largest one in the UK - and joining the fostering community is something to be really proud of. This is key in supporting foster carer employees and recognising the vital difference they make to the lives of children and young people.'

This is supported by Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership who says the organisation is ‘incredibly proud to be giving even more support to our Partners who are foster carers. They will now qualify for an additional week of paid leave, meaning they will have more flexibility to balance all the things they need to be great foster carers - attending appointments or undertaking training.’ 

The Fostering Network encourage other organisations to join the John Lewis Partnership and over 100 organisations who are Fostering Friendly employers. The scheme is free and we are here to help – email fosteringfriendly@fostering.net to find out more.