Carer Positive Scotland visited Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus recently, to certify the College’s latest level in its journey towards being a top ‘Carer Positive’ organisation.
The charity’s Carer Positive Awards Manager Sue McLintock presented FVC Principal Kenny MacInnes with the ‘Established’ level award on Tuesday 13 June, as Karina Buchanan the College’s Human Resources Business Manager and Susanne Morgan FVC Health and Wellbeing Coordinator – who led on the initiative – and Ralph Burns FVC’s Head of Human Resources, looked on.
The Carer Positive scheme – a Scottish Government backed initiative delivered by the Carers Scotland charity – works with employers across the country to develop good practice and gain recognition as Carer Positive Employers.
It is estimated there are around 5.7 million carers across the whole of the UK. A carer is a person of any age who provides unpaid care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, or who needs extra help as they grow older.
The benefits to employers of having ‘carer friendly’ policies and working practices can include: reduced levels of stress, reduced sickness absence, lower recruitment and training costs, increased staff morale and productivity levels. Employers can also enhance their reputation as an ‘employer of choice’ for the growing numbers of people in the workforce and wider labour market who see themselves as a carer.
FVC has attained ‘Established’ level the College having progressed from the first stage which was ‘Engaged’. In order to do this they had to:
- Involve carers in the development of policies and processes to support carers within the workforce
- Provide well documented policies and ensure systems are in place and communicated throughout the organisation
- Develop a culture of support is embedded within the organisation
- Make sure carers feel comfortable in identifying themselves and in accessing available support both from within and outside the organisation
- And ensure carers are fully informed of and involved in any changes / development of the support to carers in the workplace
The College will now be aiming to attain the ‘Exemplary’ award.
Principal Kenny MacInnes, said: “We are very proud to accept this award from Sue McLintock from Carer Positive Scotland, as it recognises how hard we are working to make sure our inclusive ethos is backed up with actions and not just words. I am sure that nearly everyone will at some time in their life, become a carer and Forth Valley College needs to have the knowledge and understanding of what they need from us, to allow them to feel comfortable and supported when they attend our campuses. I would like to thank Karina, Susanne and Ralph for driving this initiative forward to help us attain the ‘Established’ level and look forward to seeing us progress even further in the years to come.”
Sue McLintock, Carer Positive Awards Manager, said: “We are delighted to recognise Forth Valley College with the Established level of the Carer Positive award. The College has demonstrated real commitment to supporting carers in the staff team who combine their working roles with caring responsibilities in their home lives. It’s very encouraging to see the continuing development of this support over the years and the positive message it reinforces in promoting a supportive and caring working culture.”