News: College Partners with Employers for Carers

College Partners with Employers for Carers

It can be a real struggle for colleagues who are combining work with caring for a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill. At Nottingham College, we believe that a diverse and truly inclusive workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and delivers better outcomes for its students. To make this a reality, we want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued and where everyone is enabled to make their full contribution, is encouraged to grow, develop and have a true sense of belonging.

Employers for Carers now have over 215 member organisations, with the total number of employees covered by member organisations now at the 3.5 million mark. Membership continues to grow through increased awareness of caring in the workplace, and they strive to evolve and enhance their service through updated resources, tools and feedback from our members. Members receive access to a whole range of support resources on EfC Digital, a dedicated online members’ platform, as well as specialist support, training, networking opportunities and support at events. Representatives from Employer for Carers have already joined our Carers Café. Employers for Carers say ​”We believe that no one should have to give up work to care and our goal is to help employers support, and ultimately retain, their working carers”. 

So from 1^st April 2021 the College is delighted to become an active member of Employers for Carers part of Carers UK. Caring is an issue which faces all of us. Changing demographics and an ageing population mean that 3 in 5 people will end up caring for someone at some point in their lives. The number of carers in the UK is set to grow from 6 million to 9 million in the next 30 years. This is an issue none of us can afford to ignore.

Alongside our Carers’ Café and the support we have in place for Carers through our Equality Impact Assessments and People Policies our membership is a further commitment to those of our workforce who balance unpaid care for a family or household member with a long-term illness or disability to enable them to have a fulfilling career.

Our membership to Employers for Carers includes access to efcdig​i​tal​.org which offers a range of resources that can help and support our staff who juggle work and care. 

With the endorsement of our Carers’ Café the College is making an application for the Carer Confident benchmark in recognition of the work we are doing to build an inclusive workplace where carers are recognised, respected and supported. 

For further information about our partnership with Employers for Carers please contact Organisational Development Advisor Pam. Thomas — pam.​thomas@​nottinghamcollege.​ac.​uk