If you are a foster carer and want to be part of the movement to improve the fostering sector and improve the lives of children in care, then the Fostering Excellence ambassador programme in Wales is for you. The Fostering Network is passionate about making sure that foster carers have their say. We are committed to making sure that foster carers are heard by the people and organisations whom make decisions about their role and the care system. All of our policy and campaigning work is informed by what people tell us, that’s why our ambassador scheme is an amazing opportunity to get involved and shape and influence fostering in Wales.
What are foster carer ambassadors?
We are looking to recruit six ambassadors to represent and be the voice of foster carers in Wales. Our ambassadors will support The Fostering Network in a wide range of ways.
What will I do?
- inspiring, supporting and representing foster carers
- influencing fostering policy
- getting foster carers heard on a local and national level
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sharing your ideas with likeminded people.
- recognition for voluntary work and first-hand experience of how a charity works
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access to training workshops, consultations and conferences which will develop your experience, knowledge and skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, organisation and project management.
- A review of Welsh Governments three-year looked after children’s education strategy (2016 – 2019)
- The consultation and development of the All Wales Foster Carers Transfer Protocols.
- Contributed to several research projects with CASCADE, Cardiff University focusing on respite care, co-production processes within fostering, education and child sexual exploitation.
- Worked with AFA Cymru to help further develop the Life Journey Work toolkit.
- Supported staff at our annual campaigning and fundraising events – Foster Walk and foster care fortnight.
- Worked with the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) to feed into the development of the National Independent Visitors standards and the Newid Project focusing on the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people looked after.
- Helped to develop the foster carers charter toolkit
- Took part in an interview for a feature with BBC Wales online.
- Worked and consulted with a range of organisations such as RSPCA, Book Trust, Techniquest, Voices from Care, Adoption UK and Reaching Wider partnership.
- Contributed to the National Fostering Framework work on foster carer training and fees and allowances
- Supported staff in the delivery of the Fostering Excellence masterclasses.
- Engaged with a wide range of stakeholders including local councillors, Welsh Government officials, local authority and private agency fostering managers and teams, LAC nurses, designated teachers and children and young people.
Commitment
All ambassadors will be expected to complete 20 hours of ambassador work and activities during one year. Activities will occur as and when there is a need and requirement. However, the ambassador role is flexible in that we only encourage involvement in the activities that you are comfortable and passionate about!
Ambassadors will be given continuous support along the way, with training and supervision opportunities.
How do I get involved?
We are looking for people who are passionate, enthusiastic and committed. You don’t need to have previous experience of volunteering or being an ambassador, but there is a job description and person specification for the role which you can download below.
If you would like to find out further information on how to apply, please contact Charlotte.Wooders@fostering.net
