A poll of 2,000 adults found nurses, paramedics and firefighters are the most highly regarded professions in the UK – thanks to the positive impact they have on society
Nurses, paramedics and firefighters are the most highly regarded professions in the UK – thanks to the positive impact they have on society, according to a poll. A survey of 2,000 adults found teachers and foster carers are also recognised as doing some of the most meaningful work anyone can do.
They were closely followed by mental health therapists, physicians, and police officers – all praised for their contribution to the public good. A quarter said they feel inspired when speaking to someone whose job they believe truly makes a difference. However, 16 per cent said their own job currently feels unfulfilling, with a lack of societal impact one of the key reasons.
The research was commissioned by National Fostering Group which has developed a quiz to help people explore whether they have the skills suited to fostering.
Tim Barclay, Chief Executive Officer of the group, observed: “It’s clear the roles we most admire – from first responders to teachers and foster carers all have one thing in common – they change lives. Whether it’s protecting the public, educating young people or offering a safe and loving home, these roles are driven by purpose and empathy – values that really resonate with people today.
“Careers which offer purpose, people-focus, and a clear social good are clearly striking a chord. Fostering offers more than just a job – it’s one of the most important ways to make that kind of meaningful difference, changing a child’s life for the better, every single day.”
The study found 27 per cent of adults would like to switch to a more worthwhile career, while 19 per cent are actively looking for roles that allow them to give back.
Former telecoms worker Travis Walker, 45, from Warrington, spoke about his transition to fostering: “I spent over 10 hours a day behind a desk and started to wonder if I used that same time doing something that truly mattered, how much better would life be?”.
“I had done well in the corporate world, but ticking boxes and chasing KPIs wasn’t enough anymore. I wanted to do something real, something that actually helped people.”
Walker reflected on his decade-long experience in fostering, saying: “Fostering has given me more purpose than any job I’ve ever had. It can be challenging work but every day you know you’re doing something that counts.”
According to the findings, two thirds feel that their current skills such as problem-solving, compassion and empathy aren’t being fully utilised.
TV host, writer, and motivational speaker Ashley John-Baptiste, who had a childhood in foster care, champions the National Fostering Group’s initiative. He said: “Growing up in care, I saw just how life-changing a foster carer can be. I remember one family, in particular, who gave me safety, belief, and the confidence to build a future.
“They weren’t superheroes – they just had compassion, patience, and the will to show up. If you’ve got those qualities, you could be the difference in a child’s life.”
When exploring more meaningful career paths where these skills could make a real impact, 20 per cent have considered becoming a teacher, and 17 per cent have looked into what a counselling role might involve. Others have looked into roles such as being a social worker, nurse, and foster carer.
Tim Barclay from National Fostering Group concluded : “It’s encouraging how many people already have the core skills that make a great foster carer.
“It’s often not about retraining, but recognising the strengths you already bring. Fostering is a natural next step for those who want their work to have real, lasting impact – get in touch with us to find out more.”
TOP 10 CAREERS BRITS CONSIDER TO BE MOST MEANINGFUL:
- Nurse
- Paramedic
- Firefighter
- Teacher
- Foster carer
- Mental health therapist
- Physician
- Policeman/woman
- Humanitarian aid worker
- Social worker