SURREY County Council has received the Fostering Friendly Employer of the Year Award for its support for caring employees.

Staff members keen to foster are entitled to a set amount of paid leave to undergo the assessment process to become a foster carer or a friends and family carer and attend key meetings.

It also allows them additional unpaid leave if needed or to deal with unexpected emergencies.

There is also a set amount of unpaid leave for prospective adopters and prospective special guardians as they undergo the assessment process. at The Fostering Network’s Fostering Excellence Awards.

The county council is now urging other employers across Surrey to adopt similar policies and help in the drive to find loving homes for children in need.

Surrey County Council leader David Hodge, who was brought up in an orphanage and a boys’ home, said: “People who are willing to open their homes and hearts to children in need can transform their lives and we’re proud to give our staff extra support to undertake this important role.

“We are always looking for more foster carers, as well as those willing to adopt, and I would urge other employers to follow our lead and help their staff combine their work and family responsibilities.”

Welcoming the award, Linda Kemeny, cabinet member for schools, skills and educational achievement said: “We’re delighted to receive national recognition for the work we’ve done to support staff who give a loving home to vulnerable children.”

• To find out more about fostering visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/ fostering – call 0800 0969 626 or email fostering.recruitment@surre ycc.gov.uk.

Pictured are from left: Melissa Green, director of operations at The Fostering Network, Cindy Morris, Surrey foster carer, Simon Newstone, from Partnerships in Children’s Services, Linda Johnson, from Surrey County Council’s fostering service, Ashley John-Baptiste, ambassador for The Fostering Network.