THE most highly regarded professions in the UK have been revealed – and nurses and paramedics have made the top three.
A survey of 2,000 adults found the healthcare were the most respected jobs in the country – thanks to the positive impact they have on society.
Firefighters, and foster carers are also recognised as doing some of the most meaningful work anyone can do.
They were closely followed by therapists, physicians, and officers – all praised for their contribution to the public good.
Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) said they feel inspired when speaking to someone whose job they believe truly makes a difference.
With respondents identifying the qualities needed to create that kind of impact – including empathy (52 per cent), compassion (52 per cent), problem-solving (45 per cent), and integrity (45 per cent).
However, 16 per cent said their own job currently feels unfulfilling – with 39 per cent citing a lack of societal impact.
The research was commissioned by National Fostering Group, which has also developed a quiz (see below) to help people explore whether they have the skills suited to fostering.
Tim Barclay, CEO of the organisation, said: “It’s clear the roles we most admire – from first responders to teachers and – 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.
“In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the impact of your day-to-day job, especially when roles are increasingly driven by targets and tech rather than human connection.
“But 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 also 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.
Among those seeking more meaning in their work, 59 per cent feel their current skills aren’t being put to good use.
More than half (54 per cent) believe they have strong problem-solving skills, 52 per cent consider themselves compassionate, and 51 per cent said they approach their work with empathy.
TV presenter, author and inspirational speaker Ashley John-Baptiste, who was fostered and is supporting National Fostering Group’s campaign, 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 investigated roles such as social worker (13 per cent), nurse (12 per cent), and foster carer (12 per cent), accroding to the survey conducted via OnePoll.
Travis Walker, 45 from Warrington, had a career in telecoms before becoming a foster carer, and added: “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.
“Ten years on, 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.”;
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.”;
