Meet the team

This is the wonderful team at 5 Fostering. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about becoming a Foster Carer we are ready to answer any enquiries.

Rob Edworthy - Registered Manager

I have worked with children since 1983; from crèche manager to teacher, head teacher, leader of ‘Every Child Matters’, LACs and Child Protection as a director of a local FE College. I achieved a B.Ed.(hons) and an MA in Social Work. I have also been a foster carer for 16yrs and worked with ‘troubled families’ in the Hastings and Eastbourne areas. I enjoy motorcycling and sailing I am the leader of the team at 5Fostering! I liaise with carers, local authorities and social workers in order to provide carers, children and young people with the best possible outcomes. Safeguarding officer - I’m the safeguarding and child protection lead. Health and Safety officer - I maintain the welfare of the 5team, staff and volunteers. Training support - I support the organisation and delivering of training.

Katie Edworthy - Responsible Individual

I started my career as an art teacher with a B.Ed. (hons), which then lead to becoming a foster carer in 1997 which I did until 2016. I have attended and delivered countless training courses relating to fostering, including; attachment theory, safer caring, resilience, physical intervention and the CWDC Foster Carer’s award. I enjoy painting and visiting art exhibitions My roles include being the strategic financial director. I am the training leader, organising the training programme and deliver the training courses. I am also Consultant, the key person responsible for foster carer support and general consultancy.

Kim Harris - Business Manager

I have been teaching, for 36 years, in a variety of primary schools in: West Sussex; Norfolk; East Sussex; and Germany. Although I have taught children between the ages of 6 and 13 my favourite age is 10-11 as the children still have that awe and wonder mixed with independence. I enjoy arts and crafts particularly painting and drawing.

My role, in 5 Fostering, is working with the Business Support Group as a Business Manager. A few of my new roles will include processing carer payments and managing finances, managing and auditing Charms to help keep us Ofsted ready, working with Katie to develop the recruitment materials and attending initial visits to prospective carers, helping to organise family events and running the Newsletter. We are also hoping to develop the Voice of the Child.

Derek Hall - Senior Social Worker

I am a qualified Social Worker and registered with the HCPC. I have worked as a Social Worker on two continents covering over 30 years’ experience. I have covered all disciplines of social work from Adult Services (Psychiatric in the community) to children and families. I have managed residential units for teenagers under 8 years old and undertaken family and parenting assessments in preparation for court proceedings. I have also worked with UCAS. My passion lies with children and families, with a special concern for child safety and protection. I have worked as a supervising SW for over 10 years assisting foster carers to develop their fostering careers and supporting their placements.

Richard Andrews - Agency Decision Maker

I am the agency decision maker for 5 Fostering and a supervising social worker for Banardos. I am married and live with my family in Eastbourne.

Sarah Errington - Business Support Manager

Auditing paperwork – I go through the folders and online documents and make sure they are all in the correct place and up to date. Record keeping – I make sure all paperwork is in place and when it goes out of date I make sure we get it. Minuting meetings – I minute staff meetings, senior management meetings and panel meetings. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, swimming club and football.

Sam Stevens - Administrator

I am the newest member of the 5Fostering team. My role includes inputting referrals onto the database, scanning & uploading documents and general admin duties. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, long walks with my rescue dog Archie, aerobics & Pilates.

Amy Clark - Independent Social Worker

Working for 5 Fostering on an ad hoc basis

Gunter Becht - Independent Social Worker

Working for 5 Fostering on an ad hoc basis

Jess - Office Dog

I am a rescue dog from the RSPCA. I was found as a stray dog but am now living with the best family ever who love me lots and give me lots of treats and attention. I enjoy distracting the rest of the team and taking people for walks. I am currently on secondment too (not in Canada) but as they miss me so much in the office I plan to visit them in the near future! I have a very important job of being stress relief and comfort to anyone who needs it, with a welcoming wagging tail. I sit in front of the fire and chill out while the people all work hard.