Livingbridge invested in independent fostering agency Pathway Care in 2005. During the investment Pathway Care expanded from its core footprint in Wales into England to grow across the Midlands, the South West and East England. Adam Holloway, partner at Livingbridge, commented, “This has been a very intensive and rewarding investment. Our approach to supporting growth and reinvesting cashflow has helped to build a quality business that has consistently delivered for all its stakeholders, including customers, staff, foster carers and looked after children.”

• The foster carer base grew from 210 to 570. The vast majority of foster carers recruited were new to fostering, helping to fill the chronic shortage of foster carers across the UK. Pathway Care invested over £3 million in recruiting and training foster carers in the three years prior to exit.
• Non-executive director, Paul Fallon, joined the board. Paul had 35 years experience in public sector social care including as Head of Children’s Services & Director of Social Services for London Borough of Barnet and as Assistant Chief Social Services Officer (Children and Families), London Borough of Islington.
• At point of exit Pathway Care was the UK’s fourth largest independent fostering agency looking after 730 children across England and Wales. This was double the number of children it supported at the point of investment.
• Pathway Care has consistently delivered outstanding quality and developed innovative new services to improve outcomes for looked after children.