The Fostering Network is led by a senior leadership team and a board of trustees, with experience across social care, the third sector, business and finance.
Meet the team
Sarah Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah qualified as a social worker in 2004, prior to this she worked with children with additional needs in education settings and with young people in residential care. Sarah’s career has spanned a range of roles supporting vulnerable children and families.
Following a successful career in local authority practice, Sarah programme managed the work of the National Fostering Framework through to the launch of Foster Wales in 2021. She has previously served as Service Manager for AFA Cymru, Director for England and Wales at The Fostering Network and was appointed CEO of The Fostering Network in 2023.
Sarah’s knowledge and expertise in the fostering sector is extensive, advising on policy and practice in both the UK and internationally.
Kathleen Toner
Director of Engagement and Influence
Kathleen Toner
Director of Engagement and Influence
Kathleen joined TFN in 2013, initially as deputy director, before becoming director for Northern Ireland in 2015. Her brief expanded to include UK membership in 2021 and since January 2024, she has been UK director for engagement and influence.
Kathleen has worked in a wide variety of roles in the Third Sector within community services and children’s social care, including NSPCC, Save the Children and Citizen’s Advice, advocating for children to be at the centre of decision making.
Martha Adam-Bushell
Director of Finance and Resources
Martha Adam-Bushell
Director of Finance and Resources
Martha Adam-Bushell joined The Fostering Network in March 2024 as Director of Finance and Resources. She has spent many years working in various business operational functions and leading broad teams of specialists in areas such as Finance, Project Management, Policy Governance and Procurement. Previous roles include Interim Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director of Strategy, Performance and Assurance at ActionAid UK.
Corrie Biddle
Director of Practice and Innovation
Corrie Biddle
Director of Practice and Innovation
Corrie Biddle joined The Fostering Network in May 2024 having previously worked in statutory Children's Social Work and workforce development for almost thirty years.
Corrie has been a Principal Social Worker, Head of Service for Practice and an Agency Decision Maker for Adoption. She is also a Practice Educator and a Systemic Practitioner having trained with the Institute of Family Therapy.
Our board of trustees
The Fostering Network is a registered charity, governed by a board of trustees, which sets the strategic direction of the organisation.
Our trustees come from all walks of life and all parts of the UK. They have a wide range of skills and talents, enabling them to manage The Fostering Network effectively. They are all passionate about improving foster care for children and young people in the UK, and about the role of The Fostering Network in achieving this.