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Debra Gibbs Baker: Director
- Approved Foster Carer: Local Authority 1984-1998
- Chairperson Foster Care Executive Committee Surrey 1986-1992
- Independent Foster Care Consultant 1992 - 1999
- Manager Foster Carers Out of Hours helpline (Local Authority ) 1998-2001
- Director Fostering Support Ltd 1999 - ongoing
Credentials
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Consultant and Speaker:
- British Agency Adoption and Fostering
- Association Directors Social Services
- Federation Department des Assistannts
- National Foster Care Association
- Fostering Network
- Reference Group Quality Protects
- Fostering Services - getting the best from Policy Audit
- Foster Care, A National Perspective (ADSS)
- UK Working Group (DoH) UK National Standards in Foster Care (1999)
- UK Working Group (DoH) Code of Practice Recruitment Assessment Approval Training Management and Support of Foster Carers (1999)
- Foster Care in Crisis (NFCA)
- UK National Standards and Regulations
- Allegations and Serious Concerns; a survival kit for Foster Carers
- Investigating Allegations and Serious Concerns; how to support Foster Carers
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Ann Murphy: Mediator Counsellor
- I qualified as a Social Worker in 1995, following which I was employed within local authority children and families teams until 2001, where my work included Child Protection, Youth Offending, Children with Disabilities and Children Looked After. I then moved to the Fostering and Adoption Service, a post I held until 2009. I have 4 grown up children and 3 grandchildren (soon to be 4). The knowledge and understanding gained from being a birth parent, child-minder, foster carer and adopter has provided me with a wide range of experience from each of these roles. I have significant and substantial personal and professional experience, gained over many years, and believe that I am in a unique position to provide practical and emotional support to foster carers and to fostering services alike.
Brief Profile
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Qualifications:
- BSc. Honours Applied Psychology – 1993
- Diploma in Social Work – 1995
- Masters Degree in Social Work – 1996
- Certificate in Counselling Skills for the Helping and Teaching Profession - 1999
- Post Qualifying Award in Social Work – 2003
- Admitted to the General Social Care Council on 21st March 2005 and re-registered on 21st March 2008 (Registration No: 1052318)
- Registered Child Minder, Local Authority: 1982 - 1987
- Approved Foster Carer, Local Authority: 1983 – 1997
- Chair Person, Local Authority Foster Care Association: 1989 - 1991
- Social Worker, Children and Families, Local Authority: 1995 – 2001
- Supervising Social Worker, Adoption & Fostering, Local Authority: 2001 – 2009
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Dr John Beer OBE: Mentor and Motivator
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In June 2009 Dr John Beer OBE retired from Southampton City Council as the longest serving Director of Health and Adult Social Care. This brought to an end a glowing 40 year career in Local Government. Despite his Degree in Analytical Chemistry and a PhD in Electrochemistry John felt a passion for Social Work and began his career in the London Borough of Lewisham. Social Worker, Acting District Officer, Assistant Area Director and Head of Children's Provider Services in Surrey, John later served seven years as Director of Social Services in Southampton.
A long term supporter of the Organisation, John first met Director Debra Gibbs when fostering for Surrey County Council and Chairing
the Local Association. John was also Secretary of ADASS but now
retired, is concentrating on Mentoring and is a Board Member of a
number of Voluntary Organisations, including acting as official Mentor
and Motivator for Fostering Support Ltd. John is married with four
adult children, one grandchild and believes wholeheartedly in the
value of all children growing up within a caring family.
Brief Profile
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Mediation Counsellor required; carrying out Mediation between Foster Carers and Fostered Children / Young People / Parents / Social Workers or Community members in connection to allegations or complaints in order to retain or return placement stability.
This person should be a Member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or Open College Network accredited in mediation skills have an understanding of children and young people with complex emotional and social needs and of the fostering role, be able to work independently within supervision and have good recording reporting skills.
This person will have an Enhanced CRB certificate and an ability to retain paramount focus on the welfare of the child.
This role is flexible in terms of pay and conditions to suit the right person.
Please apply in writing to:
Debra Gibbs-Baker
The Old Chapel
Stroud
Hampshire
GU32 3PD
