Creating a positive and supportive environment for our colleagues who are parents and/or carers is important to us at GC. Although not a defined protected characteristic, we recognise the impact that caring responsibilities can have on colleagues’ lives. We also recognise that every colleague brings something unique to their role and we’re committed to supporting them throughout their time and career with GC.
Created in 2021, the Parents & Carers EDI Network supports members and wider GC colleagues to cope with caring responsibilities and the effect of trying to balance them with work and the impact they can have on our colleagues’ lives.
We know that a huge proportion of our colleagues are parents and the numbers of those who care for a family member, friend or disabled child are growing all the time. We have an ageing workforce and it’s recognised that 30% of women and 20% of men over 50 will be caring for someone. Without our colleagues with caring responsibilities, our organisation couldn’t function. Everyone has a valuable experience to share and must feel supported, which is why the Parents & Carers Network exists.
In advance of Carers Week ( 10th – 16th June), our Parents & Carers EDI Network are holding a virtual event on Thursday 23rd May 12pm – 1pm with representatives from the Carers Trust to recognise, celebrate and support our caring colleagues – and bring to life the theme of this year’s Carers Week: 'Putting Carers on the Map'.
Attend if you want to:
- Hear an introduction from the Parents & Carers network and find out more about how they can support colleagues with caring responsibilities
- Learn about the many challenges unpaid carers can face in the workplace
- Understand how people managers and colleagues can recognise and support caring colleagues
- Hear from a carer about the challenges of caring and working
We hope to see you there. Look out for the calendar invite.