Independent Social Workers (ISWs) carrying out fostering assessments have written to key decision makers calling for fair pay, greater recognition of their role, and more consistency across fostering services.
The letter, which is being coordinated with support from the Social Workers Union (SWU), highlights how ISWs play a vital role in ensuring children are matched with safe, loving and stable foster homes – yet face outdated pay rates, inconsistent expectations and a lack of professional support.
The group is calling for a baseline fee of around £3,000 per assessment, proper reimbursement of costs, and access to supervision and professional development. They warn that without urgent action, more ISWs will leave the field, worsening the foster carer recruitment crisis and undermining stability for vulnerable children.
Bethany Erickson Rodrigues, lead coordinator of the ISW Fostering Assessors Support Group, said:
“We are proud of the work we do to assess and support prospective foster carers, but we need to be treated with dignity and respect. Our work has not been valued properly for too long, and this is having a knock-on effect on foster carer recruitment at a time when children most need safe and secure homes.”
John McGowan, General Secretary of SWU, said:
“Independent fostering assessors provide essential expertise to the care system, but too often their contribution is overlooked. SWU stands firmly with them in calling for fair pay and recognition, so that the fostering system can attract and retain the skilled professionals needed to keep children safe.”
The letter has been sent to the Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing and ministers in devolved administrations, senior officials in the Department for Education, the Local Government Association, and the Local Government Information Unit.
SWU will continue to support the ISW Fostering Assessors Support Group as they press for change.