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.

Harry Edworthy - Business Manager

I am currently on secondment in Canada and plan to return to 5fostering when I am back in the U.K. I have a BA (hons) Graduate in Business and Management and been a member of a fostering family for most of my life. I have been a key member in starting 5Fostering and am in charge of business development. I enjoy cycling, motorcycling, photography and long walks with Jess (office dog). My roles included liaising with Local Authorities, where I organised and matched fostering placements with carers. I was also responsible for advertising & marketing - I and recruitment

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.

Rebecca Powell - Supervising Social Worker

I started my career as a social worker in 2004 with a BA (hons) in Social Science and diploma in social work. I have worked across the board in Childrens Services from Initial response to long-term child protection and children in need cases, fostering and adoption services in the public and private sector. I enjoy singing, music, travel and animals.

Julius Anika - Student Social Worker

Profile to follow shortly.

Richard Andrews - Agency Decision Maker

Profile to follow shortly.

Sarah Errington - Business Support Officer

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.

Dee Martin - Business Support Officer

My role includes: Liaising with Local Authorities - I organise and match fostering placements with carers. Auditing paperwork - I audit both the staff & foster carers folders and ensure they are up to date.Minuting meetings - I minute staff meetings, senior management meetings and panel meetings. DBS checks - I complete all DBS applications. Marketing - I update social media (Facebook) and the 5fostering website. I enjoy my Pug Ronnie, foreign travel, music, singing, photography, interior design & reading.

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.

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.

Ronnie - Deputy Dog

I am a cheeky little Pug born in Essex. I have been living by the sea since I was 9 weeks old. I have a wonderful life, get lots of attention and lots of cuddles. I am very friendly and confident & love playing with other dogs. I am 'standing in' on a part time basis whilst Jess (who is much better behaved than me) is on her sabbatical. I am 'meant' to bring 'stress relief and comfort' but being a 'young lad' means I am still very lively & boisterous!