Newark and Sherwood District Council awarded accreditation as a carer-friendly employer

Anyone can find themselves in a position as a carer and for some this may also include juggling a career with their caring responsibilities.

This could be anyone who provides unpaid care by looking after someone who is older, disabled or seriously ill.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has been working with the Nottinghamshire Carers Association to give employees the re-assurance and support they need if they find themselves in this position and has now achieved an accreditation as a carer-friendly employer.

To achieve this the council has pledged to; acknowledge and support informal Carers within its organisation, nominate a carers’ champion, review their policies and procedures and communicate the support available to carers throughout its organisation.

To support this pledge, the Nottinghamshire Carers Association will provide training to a team of carers’ champions within the council and will provide the most up to date information and resources to help support carers within the organisation.

“We know that many people who act as carers may not see themselves in that way,” said Susan Crosby, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and leisure.

“Others may worry about what their employers think of them if they say they are acting as a carer.

“We want Newark and Sherwood District Council to be seen as a supportive employer for all carers.

“So, we are making sure that managers are trained to give support to their staff who may also be acting as a carer. Having open conversations about this issue can help carers feel supported during what can be a very challenging time in their lives.

“We will be offering drop-in sessions during the working week to get staff together to support each other in their roles as carers. In this type of situation, it is always good to know that you aren’t alone and there are other people, possibly even colleagues, going through similar experiences.”

The accreditation certificate was handed to chief executive of the council, John Robinson, and Susan Crosby in a special ceremony at Castle House this week.