Pioneering County Council Fostering Partnership with Chichester College Group to Serve as National Blueprint 

Chichester College Group has become an accredited Fostering Friendly Employer following a pioneering partnership with West Sussex County Council. 

The county council’s fostering service has gained national recognition for its partnership with Chichester College Group – the first formal collaboration of its kind between a local authority fostering agency and a college group in the UK. 

The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity, has commended the initiative and plans to use it as a model for similar partnerships nationwide. 

This partnership is designed to boost foster carer recruitment and raise awareness of fostering opportunities among education professionals and families. 

Being a college group which educates more than 25,000 students and employs around 2,500 staff across seven campuses in West Sussex, staff are so proud to be an accredited Fostering Friendly Employer, officially adopting the policy on 9 October 2025. 

Andrew Green, Chief Executive Officer of the Chichester College Group, said: “At the Chichester College Group, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, and fostering is a natural extension of this.  

“Partnering with West Sussex County Council’s Fostering Service allows us to support not only our students and staff, but also the wider community.  

“Becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer is a proud step forward, and we hope this collaboration inspires others across the country to follow suit. Together, we can help more young people find the stability and support they deserve.” 

While West Sussex County Council has seen strong foster carer recruitment in 2025, there remains a pressing need for homes for older teenagers. 

Currently, 33% of children in care are aged 16 to 17, yet only 13 are placed with Supported Lodgings Hosts.  

As a Fostering Friendly Employer, the college group will help share fostering messages with staff and the families of students, encouraging more people to consider whether they could offer a safe, stable home to a young person. 

If just 1% of the college group’s staff became Foster Carers or Supported Lodgings Hosts, it could transform the lives of at least 25 vulnerable young people. 

Promoting fostering to the families of students could encourage even more to consider becoming foster carers, potentially helping many more children and young people in need of a home. 

Councillor Jacquie Russell, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Chichester College Group to our growing family of Fostering Friendly Employers.  

“Their commitment to fostering and proactive approach to raising awareness will help us create safe, stable homes for vulnerable children and young people. 

“This partnership reflects the ambitions of our Council Plan – to support 
families, strengthen communities, and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.  

“Together with Chichester College Group, we can help more young people achieve their full potential by providing the stability, support and meaningful relationships they need.”