Two Birmingham Charities Become Certified Carer Friendly Workplaces

Anna Smith, Forward Carers with Ajit Matharu, Headway Birmingham & Solihull

We are pleased to announce that our partners, Age Concern Birmingham and Headway Birmingham and Solihull have both been recognised for their commitment to supporting Carers in their workplace by receiving the Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark from Forward Carers.

The award acknowledges the efforts of these organisations in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for employees who are also Carers. The Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark is awarded to organisations that evidence how they are working towards a set of five Carer Friendly standards that actively support Carers in the workplace.

Anna Smith, Executive Manager for Forward Carers said,

“I’m delighted that Age Concern Birmingham and Headway continued their journey with us after completing the Carer Friendly Workplace Champion training. The Commitment Mark is part of our Carer Friendly Communities scheme, the only trademarked Carer Friendly recognition programme.

Age Concern Birmingham and Headway Birmingham & Solihull help and empower Carers in the local community, and now they are supporting Carers in their workplace too. Congratulations to both organisations on this wonderful achievement.”

Becky Bews, CEO for Age Concern Birmingham said:

“Age Concern Birmingham recognises and understands the challenges of balancing work and care and strives to support staff with their caring responsibilities. We are delighted to have this recognised through our Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark Certificate.”

Working Carer, Tricia Perryman added: 

“I am a carer and balancing work and caring for a loved one can be challenging. Age Concern Birmingham recognises these challenges and offers flexible working hours, so I am able to take on my caring responsibilities.”

One in seven people in the workplace in the UK are juggling work and care¹ and on average, 600 people a day leave work to look after a friend or family member who cannot manage due to frailty, a serious illness, disability or addiction². With these facts, together with the Carers Leave Act coming into force on 6 April 2024, recognising Carers in your workplace has never been greater.

Sue Tyler – CEO Headway Birmingham & Solihull explains why the Commitment Mark is important:

“Gaining our Carer Friendly Commitment Mark, means a lot to Headway.  As a specialist brain injury service, we focus on providing support to our families and carers, however it is easy to overlook all the people who work in an organisation who may also be working carers. 

This commitment has helped us focus on our staff who are juggling work and caring and have a clear plan and procedure of how to ensure we support them.  Also making their colleagues aware is really important in ensuring that working carers get the understanding they need. I would recommend that every organisation try to achieve this commitment mark.” 

Are you interested in sharing the support you provide the working Carers in your workplace?

Why not see if you gain our Commitment Mark? Programme Manager Rachel Close would love to hear from you to see how we can support you. For an introductory chat contact Rachel via rachel.close@forwardcarers.org.uk

Find out more information about the Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark and Carer Friendly Workplace Training to ensure you support employees who balance work with caring responsibilities.

Carer’s Leave Act Training – Online Event on 11 April

Ensure that your organisation or business is prepared for the implementation of the Carer’s Leave Act on 6 April. Join Forward Carers and Clover HR for a half day training opportunity. You will discover what the new Act will mean for you as an employer and your employees that have caring responsibilities.

Take advantage of an Early Bird rate for our first session on 11th April 2024 of £75+vat with only a limited number of spaces, make sure you don’t miss out! All future sessions are priced at £95+vat. Book your place on Eventbrite today.

Please note we offer 50% discount for non-profits, voluntary sector and micro-businesses. You can access this discount by emailing info@forwardcarers.org.uk directly to book.

¹ One in seven people in the workplace in the UK are juggling work and care (Carers UK, Juggling Work and Care, 2019).

² On average, 600 people a day leave work to care – with over 500,000 people leaving work to provide unpaid care pre-pandemic (Carers UK, Juggling Work and Care).