A fun run in the sun saw council staff put their best foot forward to raise £700 as well as awareness of their role as “corporate parents”.
Around 90 staff, family, and friends raised the money as they ran, walked, and jogged 5k around Oaklands Park in Chichester last Thursday (15 June).
Corporate parenting is the collective responsibility of the council, for elected members, staff, and partner agencies with the aim to provide the best possible care and outcomes for children who are looked after by the council.
Stephen Hillier, Cabinet Member for Children – Start of Life, said: “I am really pleased we organised this event as West Sussex County Council has the same goals for the children it looks after as those of every good parent.
“We take seriously the moral as well as legal responsibility for enabling the children in our care to experience happy and fulfilling lives. I was proud to pull on my trainers and take part in the fun run alongside staff.”
Elaine Thomas, Community Wellbeing Manager at Chichester District Council, said: “Chichester Wellbeing supports this initiative because as well as raising money for a great cause it has helped some of our staff to get more active.
“A group of West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council staff completed a couch to 5K programme and were ready to take part. They have done really well and were looking forward to the challenge.”
Corporate Parenting takes many forms and the council has created a campaign to make sure people are aware of it. This includes:
• Learning more and becoming an advocate for children;
• Offering work experience (either within the council or with partners);
• Helping to raise money for charitable causes connected with children looked after and those formerly in care.
