Fostering
Foster with Us” Recruitment Hubs: What Applicants Need to Know
If you’ve started exploring how to become a foster carer in England, you’ll quickly come across regional Recruitment Support Hubs—often branded “Foster with Us.” These hubs were created to make your first steps simpler: one place to ask questions, get early advice, and be directed to the right local authority for assessment. Here’s a clear, practical guide to what they are, how they work, and what to expect from the moment you click “enquire.”
What exactly is a “Foster with Us” hub?
A recruitment hub is a single front door for a cluster of councils in a region. Instead of every council running its own early-stage process separately, the hub centralises enquiries, early information, triage and signposting—then hands you to the right council to complete your Form F assessment and approval. The Department for Education funded hubs to standardise early steps, improve the applicant experience, and increase the number of carers.
The programme expanded through 2024–25; by July 2024, the tenth regional hub had launched, marking a key milestone in the rollout. Some regions describe their hub as “virtual” (phone/online first), but all operate on the same principle: one brand, multiple councils behind it.
Why hubs were introduced
England faces a persistent shortage of foster carers and too many prospective carers dropping out early. Government analysis has highlighted bottlenecks in enquiries, applications and timelines, prompting a push to streamline the journey and reduce duplication across councils. Hubs are designed to fix the early-stage confusion and give would-be carers a consistent, responsive start.
Local examples show hubs pooling regional effort: for instance, Cumbria & Lancashire launched a DfE-funded hub to boost recruitment across five councils under a shared banner.
What happens when you enquire?
While each region runs slightly differently, the applicant experience typically looks like this:
- Initial contact at the hub
You submit an enquiry form or call the hub. A recruitment adviser gives neutral, pre-assessment information (types of fostering, bedroom requirements, support, allowances) and checks basic eligibility and readiness. The hub is your first point of contact—not the council—during this stage. - Early advice and triage
Advisers explore your circumstances (work hours, support network, housing/bedroom space, experience with children, motivation, any potential barriers). If you wish to proceed, they allocate you to the appropriate local authority within the partnership. Some hubs also arrange an initial home visit or online information session before hand-off. - Hand-off to your council for assessment
Your enquiry record is transferred securely to the council that will run your Form F assessment, training (e.g., Skills to Foster), medicals, references and checks, then present you to the fostering panel. The council becomes your main contact from this point.
Hubs aren’t an extra hurdle; they’re a front-loaded support step that gets you ready and matched with the right team more quickly.
Data, privacy and what’s shared
Because hubs serve multiple councils, you’ll see privacy notices confirming what data is collected and how it flows from hub to councils. Typical documents explain that hubs handle your enquiry, run the regional marketing/communications, and (in many areas) support the expansion of the Mockingbird model—all under DfE funding. Personal data needed to progress your application is then shared with the council that will assess you.
Practical tip: Use the hub enquiry call to ask how your information will be stored and when it will be passed on. They should point you to the relevant privacy notice and confirm retention periods.
How hubs affect your timeline
The aim is fewer hand-offs and clearer expectations at the start. Hubs provide quicker answers to common questions (spare room rules, working while fostering, income/tax relief, types of fostering), which can prevent delays later. DfE/Ofsted analysis indicates that long timelines and inconsistent information can discourage applicants; hubs exist to reduce that friction.
Some regions report a standardised approach to initial visits, information events and introductory training, so that by the time you reach the council’s assessment team, you already understand the process and what documents you’ll need.
What stays the same (and what changes)
- You will still be approved by a single local authority (not by the hub). That council provides your supervising social worker, training, support, allowances and panel. The hub does not approve carers.
- Allowances and fees are set by councils (or IFAs, if you apply that route) and vary by location and child needs. Hubs give indicative figures and explain the difference between allowance (child’s costs) and carer fees/skill payments, but your local package is agreed with your council. (For market context and recent uplifts, see our UK allowance explainer.)
- Branding may differ by region (“Foster with Us” and variations). Don’t be surprised if the logo/URL changes when you move from the hub to your assigned council—that’s normal.
Benefits for applicants
Clear first step. You don’t have to figure out which council to call—one place handles your initial questions and points you to the best-fit team.
Faster answers. Hubs specialise in early-stage questions (spare rooms, pets, renting vs owning, working hours, age and health, matching types), which can otherwise stall applications.
Consistency. Regions are working toward more standardised processes and common terms, so your early experience feels joined-up.
Stronger support network. Some hubs connect you with foster carer ambassadors early on, so you hear the real day-to-day picture before committing.
Common questions (quick answers)
Is “Foster with Us” the same everywhere?
No. It’s a shared brand used by different regional partnerships. The core idea is consistent—single front door, then hand-off—but partners, hours and processes vary by region.
Can I still compare councils or IFAs?
Yes. Hubs are for local authority recruitment. If you want to compare with an Independent Fostering Agency (IFA), you can still contact IFAs directly. The hub should give neutral information on LA fostering; it won’t advise on IFA packages.
Do hubs replace information evenings?
They often host or coordinate them (online or in person) across the partnership, so you don’t miss out on local context.
What about my personal data?
Hubs publish privacy notices. Your enquiry data is used for early advice and then shared with the council that will assess you. Ask for the notice link when you enquire.
Will this fix the carer shortage overnight?
Hubs are part of a broader effort (including funding and retention measures). The sector still reports a significant shortfall of carers and continuing demand, which is why recruitment improvements are a national priority.
How to get the most from your hub call
- Be open about your situation. Discuss work patterns, support network, housing/bedroom space, pets, health and any prior safeguarding checks. The more the hub understands, the better they can triage you.
- Ask about timelines. Get a sense of the route to panel in your partner councils, typical home visit dates, and training schedules.
- Request written next steps. After your call or info session, ask for a summary email with links (privacy notice, eligibility, events).
- Clarify local benefits. Once handed to your council, request a breakdown of allowances vs fees and any extras (mileage, holiday/birthday payments, respite).
- Meet an ambassador. Speaking to a current foster carer early is invaluable—many hubs can arrange this.
Bottom line
“Foster with Us” hubs exist to make your first step simpler and clearer: one hub, many councils, a consistent start—and then a smooth hand-off to the team that will assess and support you. Use the hub to get answers fast, understand eligibility, and set expectations about timelines and support. When you’re ready, they’ll connect you to the right local authority so you can begin your Form F with confidence.