The awards celebrate employers whose stand-out cultures and working practices are leading the way in flexible and employee-friendly workplaces. 

Now in their thirteenth year, Working Families’ Best Practice Awards showcase and celebrate employers who are offering flexibility for all their people and going above and beyond in their support for parents and carers.  Employers from a diverse range of sectors from across the UK have competed to catch the judges’ attention in ten categories.

NELFT has been shortlisted for the Best for Carers & Eldercare category because of some key initiatives. The Parents and Carers Staff Network, supported by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team have been a key pillar in rolling out initiatives such as:

• Carer passport
• New carers policy
• Interactive carers support guide
• Wellbeing conversations to help identify staff with caring responsibilities
• Monthly forums to discuss the challenges and rewards of providing care
• Carers UK Employers membership, providing staff with free access to the Jointly app which provides advice and practical support for carers.

Simon Hart, Executive Director of People and Culture at NELFT said:

“I am delighted that NELFT has been shortlisted for the Working Families Best for Carers & Eldercare Award. Many of our staff have their own caring responsibilities at home as well as caring for the patients and families that we serve. Ensuring that anyone at NELFT who has to care for someone, is supported and looked after is part of our wider just and compassionate culture. We know that looking after our staff is the best way that we can have a direct effect on the quality of care and experience that our patients have.”

Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive of Working Families said: 

“We're thrilled to have had so many impressive entries to select from this year. A massive congratulations to our finalists, who come from across the board but who are all leading the way in creating supportive working cultures and showing what successful flexible working can look like.”

“It's so encouraging that, as we emerge from the pandemic, so many employers are responding to the evidence that flexibility doesn't just work, it can work better. Our remarkable finalists are helping to highlight the benefits of family-friendly policies and cultures for everyone. They have found solutions that work both for the employees and the business, and are reaping the rewards of a more productive, more engaged workforce.”

The winners will be announced at an awards event at Vintner’s Hall on 8 June 2022, with the official event partner Bright Horizons Work+Family Solutions.