Meet the Team

Karen Murdoch (Registered Manager)

Has been a qualified social worker since 2001, working in statutory childcare services since that time, including child protection, family support, children’s hospital and adoption teams. She has been working in the fostering sector since 2011, as supervising social worker, senior practitioner and team manager, initially with the local authority then in IFA’s since 2018, including a disability specialist agency.

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 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. I am 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.

Sam Stevens - Administrator

At 5Fostering I process the child placement referrals. On average we receive around 70 referrals a day. I am looking for potential matches between the child and foster carer. Any possible matches are then passed to our Social Workers for their consideration. My role also includes the data input of referrals onto our system.

In my own time I like to walk my rescue dog Archie, and spend time with my family and friends.