About the Care Leaver Covenant
10,000 young people leave the care system every year.
Councils support care leavers up the age of 25, but this community needs wider society to play its part as they do not have access to the resources and networks from which many other young people benefit.
We work with more than 600 organisations across the country to connect care leavers with exclusive opportunities in education, work, wellbeing, money and their home.
Background to the Covenant
The Care Leaver Covenant was established in 2018 as part of the Government’s Keep on Caring’ policy aimed at supporting young people leaving care.
Organisations across the private, public and voluntary sectors join our network by making ‘offers’ to support care leavers aged 16-25, helping them to take their next steps.
Offers might include:
- One-to-one mentoring
- Work experience placements,
- internships, apprenticeships and jobs
- Access to sport, leisure and cultural
- activities, discounted retail offers
- Financial guidance
The Impact
Our network includes companies from Amazon to ITV; Superdrug to Sky as well as councils, colleges, universities and a major partnership with NHS England as well as many charities and voluntary organisations.
Here is a snapshot of the impact we’ve made so far:
All time signatory sign-ups
Number of organisations who have joined our network and created exclusive opportunities for care leavers.
Stat last updated: 31 Mar 2026
Employment offers
Number of organisations who have submitted employment offers for care leavers over the time of the Covenant.
Stat last updated: 31 Mar 2026
Universities & colleges
76 HE and 39 FE institutions have signed up and put in place additional support packages for care leaver students.
Stat last updated: 26 Sept 2025
Care Leaver Friendly Employment Charter
Number of organisations that have signed the Care Leaver Friendly Employment Charter supporting care leavers to thrive in their workplace..
Stat last updated: 31 Mar 2026
Connects network sign-ups
Care leavers who have registered on our dedicated Connects platform to access exclusive opportunities.
Stat last updated: 31 Mar 2026
Special offer usage
Verified care leavers accessing special offers in areas including training, work, wellbeing and entertainment from our amazing network.
Stat last updated: 26 Sept 2025
Click here to meet the Spectra team who manage the programme on behalf of the Department for Education and the members our two incredible boards of advisers.
Spectra is a certified B Corporation and part of a global community that meet high standards of social and environmental impact. These standards guide all of Spectra’s programme delivery.
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Care Leaver Covenant Milestones
Care Leaver Covenant launched by the DfE children’s minister Nadhim Zahawi and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, committing organisations across sectors to support young people leaving care with opportunities and practical help.
First short film produced: Independence, directed by Karl Jackson. The story follows Amba as she leaves care at 18 and faces life on her own. Premiered at Sky Headquarters, submitted to the London Film Festival, and screened at No. 10.
New Care Leaver Advisory Board launched, strengthening youth-led leadership and advocacy.
