The Royal Borough of Greenwich has become an accredited Carer-Inclusive Workplace, strengthening the support available to council staff who balance work alongside caring responsibilities, and encouraging organisations across the borough to do the same.
Awarded by Greenwich Carers Centre, the accreditation recognises the council’s new carers’ leave guidance, which sets out employees' statutory entitlement to unpaid carers leave. This day one entitlement can be taken as full days or half days, giving staff the flexibility to manage caring responsibilities as part of their working lives.
In addition to statutory carer’s leave, the council has introduced a Carer’s Plan which is a supportive, voluntary tool that helps council staff and managers have open conversations about caring responsibilities and explore practical ways to help balance work and care. The Carer’s Plan offers a structured and proactive approach that considers helpful support options, and is tailored to individual circumstances.
The council recognises that caring takes many forms, from providing day-to-day practical help to offering emotional support, and that many people do not always identify themselves as carers. By embedding carer friendly practices and working in partnership with Greenwich Carers Centre, the Royal Borough of Greenwich aims to create a supportive environment for its workforce.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary, said:
“Becoming a Carer-Inclusive Workplace is about recognising the vital role unpaid carers play, both within our workforce and across our communities. Many unpaid carers do incredible work every day without identifying as carers or realising the support they are entitled to.
“This accreditation is part of our wider vision to ensure that all unpaid carers in Greenwich feel seen, valued and supported. We hope our approach inspires local partners, businesses and organisations to become Carer-Inclusive too. By working together, we can create workplaces across Greenwich where carers are understood, supported and able to thrive.”
Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value, said:
“We know that caring responsibilities can have a significant impact on wellbeing, finances and work-life balance. Supporting carers in the workplace is not only the right thing to do for our staff and the people they care for, but it also helps create a healthier, more resilient workforce.
“We want to make sure everyone feels confident to ask for support and access what they are entitled to, and we’ll work with partners across the borough to raise awareness, recognition and support for unpaid carers in the workplace and beyond.”
Stuart Tattersall, Chief Executive at Greenwich Carers Centre said:
“Every day, hundreds of people reach the limit of their ability to manage the relentless, often conflicting demands of work and caring. More than 600 carers leave paid employment each day so they can continue providing essential care, often under significant financial strain.
“Caring for another should never mean falling into poverty, nor should it drain our workplaces of valuable talent and experience. The reality is it so very often does.
“The Carer‑Inclusive Workplace Accreditation is our response here in Greenwich. In partnership with local businesses, we are strengthening staff retention, preventing carer poverty, and building a more inclusive borough - one that recognises, values, and supports our community of unpaid carers.”
Getting your business or organisation accredited is simple and hassle-free. Contact Greenwich Carers Centre to set up a 30-minute consultation at your place of business, and they’ll take it from there.
Get Carer-Inclusive Workplace accredited
Are you an unpaid carer? Check out the Our Greenwich, Our Carers guide, which brings together clear information on rights, services and local support.