Trust named best UK employer for carers

Chelsea and Westminster has won the ‘Best Employer for Carers’ category at the Top Employers for Working Families Awards 2011.

The judges praised Chelsea and Westminster’s work in recognising carers as an ‘unheard’ group of employees who were hesitant about asking for support and the development of a strategy deliberately aimed at carers working in the Trust.

They highlighted an ‘easy read’ guide and lunchtime advice sessions for carers, as well as sessions aimed at managing stress for carers, and the communication of the message that flexible working isn't just for parents but for everyone with dependents.

Chelsea and Westminster was also shortlisted in the ‘Best Employer for Working Mothers’ category and named as one of the overall Top Employers for Working Families.

Other winners of individual award categories included major private sector companies including Deutsche Bank, Centrica and American Express Services Europe.

Sarah Jackson, Chief Executive of Working Families said: “The quality of entries for this year’s Top Employers for Working Families Awards has been exceptional. We congratulate the Top 30 employers and the special award winners on their inspiring work-life policies and practices.

“These agile, forward-thinking organisations recognise the value of offering flexible workplaces and in doing so benefit from advantages in staff recruitment, engagement, motivation and performance.”

Mary Mercer, Principal Consultant at the Institute for Employment Studies added: “This year's entries show that flexible working policies remain high on the agenda during economically challenging times as they offer advantages to both employers and their staff.

“Workers are better able to balance work with life outside of employment and employers find that, as well as being the right thing to do by staff, a flexible approach also allows them to control costs and maximise productivity.”

Photo: Amber Payne (Employee Benefits Manager)—left and Mark Gammage (Director of HR)—second left receive their award.