Tower Hamlets Council remains a carer confident employer

Tower Hamlets Council has retained its accreditation as a carer confident employer. The status shows that the council has continued to build a positive and inclusive workplace for all staff – including the growing numbers who are already carers and those who may become carers.

Being a carer confident employer is not only good employment practice but demonstrates good business sense. The council was first awarded the accreditation in 2019 and is the only London borough accredited as a carer confident employer.

The level one accreditation, ‘active in addressing carer support’, means the council:

• Is aware that there are and will in the future be carers in the workforce and is committed to supporting them through workplace policies and practice.
• Understands and complies with the legal rights of carers in the workplace.
• Helps staff to recognise themselves as carers and access practical support in the workplace to assist them to combine their work and caring responsibilities.

To achieve the accreditation the council evidenced how it identifies, recognises, and supports unpaid carers. This included through staff surveys, the N-Able disabilities network and a dedicated support page on the council intranet for staff detailing key policies for supporting carers.

During Carers Week the council worked with Carers UK and Carers Centre Tower Hamlets to deliver a webinar for staff which included presentations around recognising and supporting carers in the community.