National Fostering Agency
Through its national network of 17 offices, NFA recruited and trained foster carers, and provided them with 24 hour support. It worked closely with Local Authority social services to match carers with placements of infants and children in need of foster care. NFA was well placed to increase its share of the foster care market which was fragmented and growing strongly, driven by Local Authorities’ preference towards foster care over residential care and their increasing use of private sector foster agencies.
NFA performed strongly under Graphite’s ownership, growing from the second largest player to the market leader. Organic turnover growth was driven by new contract wins, continued geographical expansion and increased placement acuity. One small strategic acquisition was completed to grow market share in key regions. NFA continued to place a stringent focus on carer recruitment and care quality, resulting in consistently positive external inspection results and recognition through numerous industry awards.
KEY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENTS
Grew from second largest player to the UK market leader
Won 30 new contracts and maintained its 100% contract re-tender success rate
Increased placement numbers by 28.3% to 2,629 and carer numbers by 31.7% to 2,116
Grew sales and EBITDA significantly
Became the only major IFA to receive the prestigious ‘Investors in People Gold Standard Award’
Was re-awarded the Leading Improvements for Looked After Children (LILAC) award, having been the first IFA to be presented with it in 2011
2,600+
Foster Placements
BUSINESS EXIT
In April 2015 NFA was sold to Stirling Square Capital Partners, a UK-based private equity firm.