Crown Commercial Service has received maximum points as a Carer Confident employer in recognition of the wide range of support available to staff who balance work with caring.
Published 29 November 2021
Last updated 1 December 2021
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has been recognised as a Carer Confident Level 1 Active employer – the benchmarking certification offered by Employers for Carers.
CCS also received special recognition for achieving the maximum points for every Carer Confident employer standard within the Level 1 Active category.
Carer Confident is a benchmarking scheme offered by Employers for Carers. It helps employers to support their staff who are also carers. The Carer Confident certificate is given to UK employers who have an inclusive workplace where carers are recognised, respected and supported.
CCS exceeded all the Carer Confident standards by offering a wide range of policies and processes to help staff balance work and caring. The support includes our Carers Network, mental health first-aiders, a listener scheme and other policies that help staff to balance both work and caring.
Richard Denney, Director, Corporate Pillar, and Inclusion and Diversity Champion said:
I’m delighted that CCS has been recognised as a Carer Confident employer. It is so important that we have an inclusive workplace where we can all be ourselves.
We have staff who are carers and we want them to know that we recognise and support them. At CCS our colleagues can engage in both work and caring, and they can be brilliant at both.
Our network for carers
CCS offers a supportive workplace so that staff can be carers while also feeling engaged and productive in their work.
Our Carers Network is fundamental to this support. The network sets out in one place all the policies and support available to staff who are also carers. It helps managers understand how they can effectively support carers in the workplace.
Adina Barnett, a member of our Carers Network explained:
When my caring responsibilities started, my manager and colleagues supported me in so many ways by checking in, providing the option to change my work pattern and offering their support and kindness at any time. They reassured me that I was doing a good job when I genuinely felt like I was letting everybody down.
Policies supporting carers at work
Support for carers who work at CCS also includes
Carers’ charter: The carers’ charter sets out the policies and support available for staff who have caring responsibilities – available both internally and externally.
Carers’ passports: Each carer has a passport. This is an ongoing record of discussions between the carer and line manager – noting any flexible arrangements needed. It is a document that the carer can take with them if, or when, they move to new roles across CCS or within the wider civil service.
Carers’ community chat: Carers’ community chat is a platform with a discussion forum so that carers can share experiences, information and support.
Employers for carers – digital platform: Our staff can also access a wide range of free digital tools and resources provided by the charity, Carers UK.