Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

Members were informed that Neath Port Talbot Borough Council had successfully been awarded the Employers for Carer’s, Carer Confident Scheme, benchmark of Level 2 (Accomplished).

It was noted that in 2022, Members approved the Council’s Employers for Carers (EfC) subscription membership; Officers across the People and Organisational Development Team had been working to implement the Councils arrangements in supporting employees who have caring responsibilities outside of work. Officers highlighted that the arrangements had been submitted for assessment, and the results came back as achieving benchmark Level 2 (Accomplished). It was noted that Officers intended to continue to build on this work.

Officers referred to the range of evidence that was submitted for consideration, some of this evidence included:

·        Communication arrangements for employees who were carers and the Councils commitment to supporting carers within the workforce.

·        Carers Wales Award - Home Care were successful in securing the Line Manager recognition award for the ongoing support provided to employees at the Carers Wales’ Carers Week Awards. This demonstrated the bespoke support that they provided.

·        Presentations to demonstrate that a range of people, including Line Mangers, were briefed to ensure they were aware of how to support carers in the workforce.

·        Carers staff survey to find out vital information in regard to what support they need and what more the Council could do to help them.

·        Campaign to recruit Carers Champions, who were able to signpost carers to avenues of support and increase awareness.

·        Drop-in sessions for Carers Rights Day to increase awareness of support available.

·        The development of a Viva Engage Carers Channel, with weekly promotions of self-awareness and support materials.

·        How EfC had been included in the on boarding and induction for new starters.

It was highlighted that the criteria for benchmarking mainly related to awareness raising; making sure that people who can support carers in the workplace knew what support to provide, and people who had caring responsibilities knew where to go when they needed that support.

Members asked what the additional actions were required in order to reach the next level. Officers provided the following list in order to achieve Level 3:

• Demonstrate creative and innovative approaches to supporting and engaging carers as part of an open and positive workplace culture.
• Involve carers in the development of policies/guidance and processes to support carers within the workplace.
• Provide a wide range of information and support for carers at all stages of their caring journey.
• Support carers at all stages of employment, from recruitment to returning to, or leaving the workplace.
• Enable and encourage carers to take up practical support both from within and outside the organisation.
• Equip managers to support and retain carers effectively.
• Actively and regularly communicate and promote caring issues/carers throughout the organisation including via line managers.
• Champion caring/carers internally and externally, including leading by example within your workplace and to other employers or your supply chain.

The Committee congratulated the Team on their achievements.

RESOLVED:

The report was noted.