Progress Fostering Service Celebrates Successful Annual Fostering Panel Day
Progress Fostering Service today held its much-anticipated Annual Fostering Panel Day, a significant occasion for reflection, collaboration, and forward planning. The event brought together panel members, supervising social workers, and other stakeholders, including Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services, and Michelle Earp, the recently appointed Fostering Manager.
The day was designed to strengthen the fostering process, ensuring compliance with legislation while enhancing the experience for all involved. Tina Bhardwaj highlighted the importance of this annual event as an opportunity to reset and align goals for the year ahead. “We met with all the panel members for an annual training event to review panel processes and identify improvements. It was a chance to, among others, reflect on what we’ve done well, and remind ourselves of the fostering panel’s purpose,” she said. Tina also emphasised the value of the professional expertise and diverse backgrounds of panel members, which bring significant depth to the fostering process.
Michelle Earp shared her insights into the outcomes of the day, describing the feedback from attendees as both “amazing and constructive.” She appreciated the opportunity for panel members to meet new supervising social workers, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding. “It’s been refreshing to catch up with panel members and hear their feedback. It’s clear what they want, and this gives us actionable steps to make the process smoother,” she remarked.
The event also featured professional development sessions, including reviews of key legislation and discussions about the roles and responsibilities of panel members. These sessions reinforced the importance of adhering to governance standards while inspiring new ideas for improving the fostering experience for both foster carers and children.
Attendees enjoyed a welcoming atmosphere, bolstered by opportunities to connect over thoughtfully prepared meals and informal discussions. This balance of structured training and casual engagement reflected the service’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive community.
As Progress looks to the future, the feedback and insights gathered from this year’s Fostering Panel Day will shape ongoing improvements, ensuring the highest standards of care and support for children and their fostering families.
Progress Fostering Service is committed to providing safe, nurturing environments for children and young people. By prioritising quality, collaboration, and professional excellence, the service continues to make a meaningful difference to the fostering community.