Meet the team

Elizabeth Bryan

Director - Wales

Elizabeth Bryan joined The Fostering Network in 2018 and has held a number of senior roles across the organisation, including Programmes Manager and Head of Operations for Wales. She brings more than two decades’ experience of leading programmes, managing teams and developing initiatives focused on improving outcomes for children and young people across Wales and the UK. Prior to joining The Fostering Network, Elizabeth worked with children’s charities in the disability and education sectors, driving innovation and developing services to support children, young people, families and professionals. Elizabeth is passionate about the role of the third sector in creating lasting change and bringing people together to make a difference to children and young people’s lives.

Her experience spans programme development and evaluation, operational leadership, partnership working, volunteer management and large-scale project delivery. She is particularly committed to ensuring that the voices and experiences of foster carers and young people help shape the future of fostering in Wales.

Alex Atkins

Fostering Communities Programme Manager

Alex leads our participation work, ensuring that foster carers, fostering teams, and young people with experience of foster care, are at the heart of everything we do here in Wales.  

Alun Richards

Fosterline Wales Coordinator

Alun responds to phone and email enquires to Fosterline Wales, our independent and confidential advice line for the public on all matters related to fostering.

Find out more about Fosterline Wales

Gemma Struthers

Fostering Wellbeing Programme Manager

Gemma leads our team of Fostering Wellbeing project managers across Wales, working alongside foster carers and other professionals to improve outcomes for children and young people who are looked after.

Find out more about Fostering Wellbeing programme

Rhian Smith

Step Up Step Down Programme Manager

Rhian leads Step Up Step Down, our innovative approach to supporting families on the edge of care by using the skills of specialist, highly-trained family support foster carers.

Find out more about Step Up Step Down

Tamzin Covell

Policy and Public Affairs Officer

Tamzin leads on engagement with our stakeholders across Wales to influence policy development and ensure that the voice of foster carers and care experienced young people is included in decision making.