- Transferring does not mean being re-assessed from scratch — it is a significantly lighter process
- Most transfers can be completed in 3–6 months
- Your existing Form F and references carry significant weight
- LA-to-IFA transfer can mean £200–£400+/week more
- You cannot be in two agencies simultaneously — plan around your current placements
Thousands of experienced foster carers transfer between agencies each year. The process is less daunting than many expect — you are not starting from scratch, and your track record counts. But there are important practical and ethical considerations, especially around existing placements.
Why Carers Transfer
- Significantly higher pay at IFAs (often £200–£400+/week more)
- Better support — more responsive SSW, better training
- Change of specialisation (e.g., therapeutic or UASC)
- Relationship breakdown with existing supervising social worker
- Agency performance issues (poor Ofsted rating, organisational instability)
The Transfer Process
- Research and initial enquiry to potential new agency
- References taken from your current SSW and professionals
- Transfer assessment — a lighter version of Form F
- Panel presentation at the new agency
- Formal approval confirmation
- Resignation from current agency and handover
What Happens to Your Current Placements?
You cannot take existing placements with you — children are placed by local authorities, not agencies. The best approach is always to plan the transfer around natural placement endings. The welfare of children in your care must take priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my current agency refuse to provide a reference?
No. Agencies are obliged to provide honest references when another approved provider requests them. They cannot withhold references as a tactic to stop you leaving.
Will transferring affect my approval level?
Possibly slightly. Your approval at the new agency will be reviewed based on your experience and track record.
How long can I be without a placement during a transfer?
If you engineer the transfer to coincide with a placement ending, there may be a gap of weeks. Agencies are usually keen to place carers quickly once formally approved.