The Fostering Network is calling on local authority and independent fostering services in England to complete the 2015 Fostering Service Performance Benchmark to provide statistical analysis and invaluable data comparisons against that of fostering services throughout the country. 

The Fostering Service Performance Benchmark combines data submitted to Ofsted and all new performance metrics to provide a detailed, bespoke analysis for all participating fostering services. Data from the benchmark will be used to create an anonymised national report of the key performance issues and opportunities in foster carer recruitment and retention.

James Foyle, recruitment and retention consultant at The Fostering Network, said: “It is vital that you take the time to complete the benchmark and show your strengths, evidencing where your work has succeeded, and examine your weaknesses and show where you may need to better utilise resources. Benchmarking yourself against other fostering services can be an incredibly valuable resource when looking where to focus your future efforts. 

“The Fostering Network prides itself at being at the forefront when working with fostering services to develop their recruitment and retention efforts. We are delighted to offer the benchmarking report as a benefit for our fostering service members, and to be able to provide them at a very reasonable cost for non-members.”

Over 80 fostering services participated in the benchmark returns between 2013 and 2014, each receiving a bespoke report providing essential information to interrogate local performance data on over 30 key performance metrics in foster carer recruitment and retention. Many have used the report as a tool to inform recruitment strategies, improve data management and as part of a business case to enhance the foster carer recruitment process, feeding back the following comments:

"What an incredibly useful piece of work." 

"The questions posed are useful in informing the last phase of our current strategy."

"Producing this report for us is fantastic, and I know represents a lot of work, even for one LA...so thank you, if really helps us to focus on areas we need to. Well worth doing."

This is the third time that The Fostering Network has produced the Fostering Service Performance Benchmark, the first time that it will be open to all fostering services in England. Participating fostering service members of The Fostering Network will receive a free bespoke report, charting performance on over 30 metrics against all other contributing services. 

Non-member fostering services are welcome to receive a bespoke report for the Fostering Service Benchmark 2015, priced at £600 +VAT. We hope to be able to open the benchmark to other fostering services in the UK in the future.

You can complete your benchmark report on our website.