Lloyds Banking Group commits to supporting foster carer employees

Lloyds Banking Group has committed to supporting its foster carer employees by being officially recognised as a Fostering Friendly employer.

The Fostering Friendly accreditation, awarded by The Fostering Network, recognises organisations that actively support employees in their roles as foster carers and encourage others to consider becoming approved carers.

As part of a wider suite of generous family friendly policies, Lloyds Baking Group offers flexible working arrangements to employees who are foster carers or who are going through the fostering application process. Eligible employees can also access a minimum of five days of additional paid leave each year to meet their fostering responsibilities.

This support enables foster carers to attend meetings with social workers and other agencies, join in training, and help children settle into their new homes – all without the added pressure of taking unpaid leave or sacrificing annual leave.

This commitment from Lloyds Banking Group comes at a pivotal time for foster care. Each year, more foster carers leave the sector than join, with many reporting declining wellbeing due to insufficient support from their fostering services and a lack of recognition for the vital role they play.

Support from employers can make a meaningful difference. By providing flexibility and understanding, organisations can help ease the additional strain and uncertainty that often comes with balancing fostering responsibilities alongside employment.

Tyrone Fletcher, Lloyds Banking Group colleague and foster carer, said:

“Becoming a foster carer has only been made possible because of the incredible support I’ve had at Lloyds Banking Group. Every line manager has stood beside me, giving me the space to pause work when life needed my attention!

“The Group’s commitment has grown since I began my fostering journey five years ago, with up to 70 hours of paid foster leave each year making a huge difference. Carers can complete vital training and assessments without juggling everything at once, giving me the opportunity to change the lives of young people in care. I’m genuinely proud to work for a Group that’s now the largest UK bank to achieve Fostering Friendly accreditation.”

As well as support for foster carers, Lloyds Banking Group is also championing brighter futures for young people leaving care through Project Hope. In 2025 the Group has created 20 customer support roles for care experienced young people, each supported by a customer service apprenticeship. The programme continues to expand with more employment opportunities being made available throughout 2026.

Beyond employment, Lloyds Banking Group has purchased over 13,000 Madlug bags for their colleagues since 2023. For every bag that’s purchased, Madlug gives a pack-away travel bag to a child or young person in care. This offers practical dignity to young people who might otherwise have to carry their belongings in unsuitable ways when moving through the care system.

Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, Sarah Thomas, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Lloyds Banking Group as our largest Fostering Friendly bank. It’s vital that foster carers receive the right support from their employers so they can fully commit to their fostering responsibilities.

“Fostering can be demanding, with meetings, training and the time needed to help children settle when they are going through difficult experiences. It’s fantastic to see Lloyds going the extra mile to support foster carers, and we hope many other banks will follow their lead.

“With more foster carers urgently needed – and with retention just as important as recruitment – it’s essential that we work together in this way to provide the best possible support for those making such a difference to children’s lives.”

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