Who we are

We have a team of highly qualified, professional and motivated staff headed up by our amazing group of directors. Find out more about why they do what they do.

Peter Battle

Peter Battle

CEO

I’ve worked in the social care sector for many years and my passion lies in providing fulfilment to some of the most vulnerable people in society. We have a fantastic, experienced, passionate team who always ensure the child or young person is at the centre of all we do. We are very lucky to benefit from the most comprehensive therapeutic offering for children, young people and carers (MATTS), low caseloads, excellent Children’s Champions, market leading bespoke training and a culture of openness, honesty and integrity.

The most satisfying part of my role is knowing that you and all our staff continually go that extra mile to help children overcome challenges and become confident young adults ready to take on the world.

Outside of work, my wife and I have two daughters, who have me wrapped around their little fingers.

Jacci Kirkland

Jacci Kirkland

Director of Quality Assurance & Service Improvement

I qualified as a social worker in 2000 and since then my passion has always been in foster care.

My role is to ensure the service we offer our foster carers and children, helps them build the brightest of futures. I remain humbled by the amazing standards of care our foster carers offer children and young people.

The impact that a secure base and a professional team supporting a child can achieve demonstrates the positive impact that good quality care can offer. More recently, the launch of our therapeutic service has enabled us to support our carers as they help some of the most traumatised children.

In my spare time, I have applied the theory of natural horsemanship into my passion for supporting horses with difficulties and have had much success with rehabilitating horses deemed dangerous or damaged.

Debbie Tomlinson

Debbie Tomlinson

Chief Operating Officer

I have worked my whole career in the social care sector and qualified as a social worker in 2004.   Growing up in a fostering family has given me the drive and passion to want to help other children and fostering families like the ones i grew up with, building brighter futures together. I feel proud to  be part of Excel Fostering and to support our fostering families to make the difference in children’s lives. 

In my spare time my I love spending time with family and enjoy a spa day and pampering session!

Annette Fairhurst

Annette Fairhurst

MATTS Director

As an Art Psychotherapist my journey working within the fostering sector began in 2009. Since then, my passion for working alongside children and fostering families has only grown. I feel privileged to support children and young people who have experienced trauma and adverse experiences.  I am humbled by the resilience our foster carers show in helping children develop a sense of belonging and safety. It is an honour to be able to support them alongside our social work teams and Clinicians to create longer term stability for children and young people.

My role is to ensure that our MATTS (Multi-disciplinary Assessment Treatment & Therapy Service) continues to provide  adaptive, responsive and flexible therapeutic input across all the regions in the Capstone Foster Care Group, with the children and fostering families at the centre of it all.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, playing out in training, triathlons and fell running.

Emma Miller

Emma Miller

Registered Manager

I’ve been with Excel since June 2014 and prior to joining the team I worked in a local authority Initial Assessment and Child Protection team.

I first heard about Excel Fostering when I was completing my social work degree and I was able to complete my final placement with them, which is what brought me into contact with foster carers and helped me to realise what a valuable role they play.

I was also impressed with how enthusiastic and motivated the team were to support foster carers and the children and young people in placement with them to achieve positive outcomes. After gaining the experience in front line social work, I was looking forward to pursuing a career within a fostering setting.

Since joining the team, I have worked in the role of supervising social worker, senior practitioner, team manager before becoming the registered manager. I have enjoyed supporting and mentoring colleagues to develop within their roles. I really look forward to working with you.

Thinking of fostering?

If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out more about fostering with Excel Fostering, fill out the form below.
An experienced fostering advisor from your local area will then be in touch.

The information you provide will be used to respond to the enquiry you have submitted, for further information please refer to our privacy policy.

Ways to
GET IN TOUCH

Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you. 


Request a
call back

Contact us by completing our online form and one of our fostering advisors will respond to your enquiry within 24 hours.



Call us

Contact us by phone and one of our friendly fostering experts will be on hand for any foster care advice and support you require.



Download a Brochure

Download our helpful guide to becoming a foster carer with Excel Fostering.