RBC earns Carer Friendly Accreditation for supporting unpaid carers
Last updated: 22/8/2024
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) has earned a Carer Friendly Accreditation for its proactive approach and commitment to supporting unpaid carers within the organisation.
RBC has worked in partnership with Nottinghamshire Carers Association to achieve their Carer Friendly Employer Quality Mark by creating a more inclusive workplace for unpaid carers.
An unpaid carer is anyone who has unpaid responsibilities for the care and support of relatives or friends who are older, disabled, seriously ill physically or mentally and unable to care for themselves.
The accreditation reflects RBC’s continuing efforts to support unpaid carers. It includes delivering carer awareness training to its senior leadership team, reviewing existing policies to embed carer support, introducing a carer’s passport, recruiting and training four Carer’s Champions and fostering peer-to-peer support.
Employer Engagement Lead for Nottinghamshire Carers Association Jayne Davies presented the certificate to RBC’s Carers Champions and officers at Rushcliffe Arena last month.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler said: “We are proud to be recognised as being a Carer Friendly Employer and will continue to support our unpaid carers who are often juggling their caring responsibilities with work.
“We’ve worked with Nottinghamshire Carers Association to deliver key initiatives including further training opportunities, Carers Champions and updated HR policies that we hope will support any unpaid carers and those they care for.
“Our wonderful Carers Champions act as a key contact for carer information, keeping unpaid carers up to date about the support and advice available here at RBC and signposting to a range of external support and benefits for carers.”
Jayne added: “Congratulations to Rushcliffe Borough Council on achieving the Carer Friendly Employer Quality Mark, awarded by Nottinghamshire Carers Association. This recognition reflects their commitment to supporting unpaid carers in the workplace.
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the Council and look forward to continuing our partnership to further raise awareness and provide support for unpaid carers employed by the Council, ensuring they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.”