The Fostering Network recently hosted its conference celebrating innovation and wellbeing initiatives that support care-experienced children and young people across social care, education, and health services in Wales.
As part of this event, Pioneers from across Wales were recognised through a series of awards celebrating the incredible impact they make within their fostering communities.
We are absolutely delighted to share that Sally was selected for a Pioneer Award – a truly well-deserved recognition of her outstanding commitment to foster carers, children, and our wider service here at Foster Wales Vale of Glamorgan.
Going Above and Beyond
Sally consistently goes above and beyond her role, demonstrating exceptional compassion, dedication, and innovation in everything she does.
One of Sally’s greatest strengths is her unwavering commitment to listening to and amplifying the voices of foster carers. She has proactively arranged and supported foster carer support groups, creating safe and inclusive spaces where carers feel heard, valued, and understood.
Importantly, Sally ensures that this feedback does not go unheard. She actively shares carers’ experiences, suggestions, and concerns with staff, helping to strengthen communication, build trust, and shape meaningful service development. Her work ensures that practice is informed by those with lived, frontline experience.
Supporting Recruitment and Retention
Sally also plays a vital role in recruitment and retention. She regularly supports recruitment events and attends home visits alongside the recruitment officer.
Her warmth, honesty, and reassurance help prospective carers feel supported during what can often be an emotional and daunting process. This hands-on involvement has made a real difference in welcoming new carers into the fostering community and encouraging them to continue their journey.
Through her peripatetic fostering role, Sally is known for being consistently available when needed. Foster carers frequently describe her as approachable, reliable, and genuinely caring. Whether supporting carers during assessment or offering emotional support to those already fostering, Sally provides empathy, practical guidance, and reassurance when it matters most.
A Thoughtful Touch That Says So Much
Sally’s personal qualities shine particularly brightly in moments that go beyond formal responsibilities.
A standout example was her extraordinary generosity at Christmas, when Sally and her husband Richard donated selection boxes for both foster children and birth children. This thoughtful gesture recognised the whole fostering family and ensured children felt included, valued, and celebrated during a time that can be especially difficult for those in care.
It perfectly captured Sally’s deep understanding of fostering dynamics and her heartfelt commitment to children’s emotional wellbeing.
Well-Deserved Recognition
Sally’s award recognition reflects the quiet, consistent impact she makes every day. Through her compassion, reliability, and genuine care for fostering families, she strengthens relationships, builds confidence, and helps create better experiences for children and young people in care.
Her dedication and willingness to go the extra mile make a lasting difference to foster carers and children across the Vale of Glamorgan. We are incredibly proud to see her recognised at a national level.
Congratulations, Sally and thank you for everything you do.
