Release date: 24 June 2026
West Sussex County Council's fostering service has been shortlisted in two categories at the Sussex Chamber Business Awards 2026.
Fostering West Sussex is up for the Community Business of the Year Award and the Commitment to People Award.
The nominations recognise the service's dedication to supporting foster carers, building strong community connections and investing in the ongoing training, development and wellbeing of those who provide life-changing care to children and young people across West Sussex.
Daniel Ruaux, Executive Director for Children, Young People and Learning at West Sussex County Council, said: "Being shortlisted for these two awards is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication of our foster carers and the staff who support them every day. Together, they make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people across West Sussex.
“These nominations recognise our commitment to creating a strong fostering community where carers feel valued, supported and equipped to provide safe, stable and nurturing homes.
“I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for our fostering team who will be heading to the awards ceremony next month.”
The nominations reflect the wide range of support available to foster carers in West Sussex, including peer support networks, trauma-informed training and development opportunities, specialist therapeutic support and community events that help carers feel connected, valued and equipped to provide the best possible care.
Kelly Wilkes, Head of Fostering and Kinship, said: “Being shortlisted for these Sussex Chamber Business Awards provides a great opportunity to raise the profile of fostering within the business community. We hope that more local businesses will contact us to find out about becoming a Fostering Friendly employer, a national scheme whereby you commit to supporting employees to be able to foster.
“Many of our brilliant carers foster alongside other commitments, whether by offering stayovers to a child one weekend a month, or by giving a young person aged 16+ a safe room in their home and practical and emotional support as they prepare for adulthood. So, I would encourage businesses to get in touch, join our wider fostering community, and help us find more stable homes for local children.”
The Community Business of the Year nomination highlights the service's work in creating a supportive network for foster carers through peer support programmes, local groups and family events, whilst the Commitment to People Award recognises the service's investment in training, development and support for foster carers and staff. By empowering carers to support one another, amplifying their voices and creating a sense of belonging, the fostering service has built a community rooted in compassion, resilience and shared purpose - one that transforms not only the lives of foster carers, but the futures of the children they care for.
To find out more about the Sussex Chamber Business Awards, visit Sussex Chamber of Commerce.
To learn more about fostering with West Sussex County Council, visit Fostering West Sussex and follow them on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
