West Sussex County Council’s Fostering Service has gained national recognition for its pioneering partnership with Chichester College Group, the first formal collaboration of its kind between a local authority fostering agency and a college group in the UK. The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity, has commended the initiative and plans to use it as a model for similar partnerships nationwide.
This partnership is designed to boost foster carer recruitment and raise awareness of fostering opportunities among education professionals and families. Chichester College Group, which educates over 25,000 students and employs around 2,500 staff across seven campuses in West Sussex, has now become an accredited Fostering Friendly Employer, officially adopting the policy on 9 October 2025.
While West Sussex County Council has seen strong foster carer recruitment in 2025, there remains a pressing need for homes for older teenagers. Currently, 33% of children in care are aged 16 to 17, yet only 13 are placed with Supported Lodgings Hosts. As a Fostering Friendly Employer, Chichester College Group will help share fostering messages with staff and the families of students, encouraging more people to consider whether they could offer a safe, stable home to a young person.
If just 1% of the college group’s staff became Foster Carers or Supported Lodgings Hosts, it could transform the lives of at least 25 vulnerable young people. Promoting fostering to the families of students could encourage even more to consider becoming foster carers, potentially helping many more children and young people in need of a home.
Councillor Jacquie Russell, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Chichester College Group to our growing family of Fostering Friendly Employers. Their commitment to fostering and proactive approach to raising awareness will help us create safe, stable homes for vulnerable children and young people.
“This partnership reflects the ambitions of our Council Plan - to support families, strengthen communities, and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. Together with Chichester College Group, we can help more young people achieve their full potential by providing the stability, support and meaningful relationships they need.”
Jo, a WSCC foster carer and Chichester College Group employee, said: “As both a stayovers (weekend) foster carer and a Pastoral Support Tutor at Northbrook College, I am very happy to hear about this exciting new partnership. Everyone at Fostering West Sussex has been so supportive and encouraging to us as a family, as have my managers at Chichester College Group. Fostering has been a huge learning curve, and you never stop learning as every child is unique and has their own story and experiences, but we love it!”
Dan Joyce, Partnerships Manager at The Fostering Network, said: “The Fostering Network is proud to welcome Chichester College Group to the Fostering Friendly Scheme and we are delighted to see how this underpins their partnership with West Sussex Council.
“Across the UK there are over 250 registered Fostering Friendly Employers, providing supportive fostering policies for over 750,000 employees. We see this partnership as an opportunity to drive further adoption of Fostering Friendly policies across the country, and this allows us to showcase the benefit of collaborative working across local communities.”
The partnership will include a programme of joint initiatives throughout the academic year, including:
· Screenings of a new national fostering film across five campuses in early 2026 (open to the public).
· Bespoke training sessions for staff on fostering, Supported Lodgings, therapeutic parenting and more.
· Regular newsletter updates and promotional materials in staff areas.
Could you transform a child’s life?
By becoming a foster carer or Supported Lodgings Host with West Sussex County Council, you’ll join a community of carers, receive dedicated professional support, targeted training, and a competitive financial package—up to £32,346* per year for foster carers and around £15,496* per year for Supported Lodgings Hosts (per child/young person).
*Fee dependent on experience, age of child and duration of time in your care. Additional fees available for specialist roles.
Contact Fostering West Sussex on 0330 222 7775 or visit the Fostering West Sussex Website for more information.
