Meet the Team: Ceri Murray
This week, we’re delighted to introduce Ceri, a valued member of our Business Support team here at Lorimer.
Although Ceri is still relatively new to the organisation, she has already made a strong impression thanks to her wealth of experience, thoughtful approach and genuine passion for supporting foster carers and children.
Ceri’s role as Business Support
Ceri works in Business Support, where her role is centred around supporting foster carers at every stage of their journey. Her day‑to‑day work includes preparing carers for foster carer reviews, ensuring documentation is up to date, supporting training requirements and assisting with the assessment of new applicants.
As Ceri explains, “It’s all carer‑related for me. I work through my carers, see what needs doing for each one, make sure foster carer reviews are ready and support ongoing training and compliance.”
What Ceri particularly enjoys is being part of a multi‑agency environment, working closely with social workers, youth workers and carers.
“I like the fact it’s a multi‑agency environment,” she says. “You’re seeing the whole picture and hearing different perspectives, and you’re able to add value at all stages.”
What attracted Ceri to Lorimer?
Ceri joined Lorimer after taking time away from work to care for her family. When she began looking to return to the workplace, she wanted a role that would allow her to use her experience in a meaningful way – and Lorimer immediately stood out.
“What really attracted me to Lorimer was that my boys are adopted,” Ceri explains. “I’ve got a lot of experience of what it takes to look after children who’ve suffered trauma, and I felt I had quite a lot to offer carers.”
Ceri adopted her two sons when they were just one and two years old. Now in their late teens, her lived experience has given her a deep understanding of both the challenges children face and the impact this can have on carers.
Alongside this, Ceri also brings a professional background in family law, having previously worked as a solicitor in public law.
“I used to be a solicitor working in family law, starting out in public law, which is about children being taken into care and all the court processes around that,” she says. “So, when I saw the role at Lorimer, I just thought it sounded like all the areas of my life in one job.”
Feeling part of the Lorimer family
One of the things that has stood out most to Ceri is the support she has received from colleagues across the organisation, particularly within the Business Support team.
“The other business support team members have been really helpful,” she says. “They’re always prepared to drop what they’re doing to help and give you any support you need.”
Ceri also values the friendly, relaxed atmosphere in the office, where humour and teamwork go hand in hand.
“We do have a good laugh,” she explains. “That really helps. It’s a nice little corner of the office, and you feel involved – you’re often the first to say hello to anyone who comes in.”
Beyond day‑to‑day work, Ceri has enjoyed getting involved in wider team moments, from shared lunches to seasonal get‑togethers.
“It’s really relaxed, and you get to know the people you work with better,” she says. “Those moments make a big difference – it really does feel like a family.”
The culture at Lorimer
Ceri describes the culture at Lorimer as professional, collaborative and caring.
“Everybody really cares about the foster carers and the outcomes for the children,” she says. “It feels very much like all hands on deck.”
She also values how achievements – big or small – are celebrated across the organisation.
“Whether it’s a child making a great pumpkin or passing exams, everyone is genuinely pleased to see those achievements,” she explains. “That’s what it’s all about – seeing the end results.”
One thing that has particularly stood out to Ceri is how inclusive Lorimer is, with staff encouraged to be involved beyond their individual roles.
“I’m business support, but I’ve already been to training courses where I’ve met the children,” she says. “It feels like everyone is encouraged to be part of the whole picture, not just their own little area.”
What motivates Ceri?
While many people are drawn to social care through a desire to support children, Ceri says her motivation is strongly rooted in supporting foster carers.
“I’m very motivated by the foster carers,” she explains. “I’ve lived the impact that caring for traumatised children can have, and I’ve seen how much it affects carers’ lives.”
“If I can help carers deal with the situations they find themselves in, or even just understand what they’re going through, that really motivates me.”
Life outside of work
Outside of work, Ceri enjoys running as a way to unwind and recharge.
“Running keeps me sane,” she says. “I run with a local group, do Parkrun and take part in organised runs. I love the social side, but I also enjoy running on my own to clear my head.”
She’s even completed a marathon and an ultra‑run – an impressive achievement she modestly downplays.
A message to foster carers
If Ceri could offer advice to foster carers considering joining Lorimer, it would be to look for an agency that genuinely connects with people.
“The staff really care – about the carers, the children and the outcomes for families,” she says. “What goes on behind the scenes to support that is amazing.”
“If you’re looking for a fostering agency, look for one that wants to connect with people, not just dot the i’s and cross the t’s. From what I’ve experienced, that’s exactly what Lorimer does.”
Thank You, Ceri!
Thanks for reading! And many thanks to Ceri for taking part and helping us spotlight her role in this week’s blog. We really appreciate it! You can read more Meet the Team Monday posts from Lorimer by visiting our blog page. You can also join our fostering community on Facebook for regular news and updates.
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