Published on: 23rd July 2025
We’re proud to be a foster friendly employer, with flexible working and extra paid leave to support colleagues who are foster carers.
Foster carers can give children the safe, stable home they deserve, and we want to support them.
Steve Jameson, our director of capital, estates and facilities, has been a foster carer with his wife Donna for 13 years. They've shared their story to encourage others to consider fostering.
Steve said: “Our three daughters had all grown up and we really missed having a full house with the girls around. We wanted to give something back and help children and young people in our local community who needed support.
“As a fostering friendly employer, Pennine Care NHS has provided invaluable support for us in our role as foster carers. Their flexible working policy means I can attend meetings with teachers and social workers, along with all the other appointments needed to help provide that loving environment for the children and young people we’re caring for.
“Everyone who comes to live with us becomes part of the family and it’s been a hugely rewarding experience.”
Steve and Donna currently care for an autistic young man as part of the shared lives scheme, a care and support service for people aged 18 years and over. They support him so he can live independently and teach him life skills such as cooking.
Steve said: “It’s been wonderful to see him develop - he now volunteers at the local council offices, sings in a choir and plays the guitar. We really enjoy having him living with us and he is part of our family.”
For more info about fostering and being a fostering friendly organisation, visit fosterforgm.com