A NEW scheme will see employees who act as unpaid carers have their caring role recognised.

The employer awards are based on a similar scheme aimed at schools, where educational institutions that do more to support carers are rewarded with a quality mark.

Developed by Swindon Borough Council, and Swindon Carers Centre, the award is being piloted with employers Intel, Nationwide, Swindon NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and the council.

Set up like a quality assurance mark, the Employers Care Award has three standards, covering four areas: leadership and management, identifying and supporting carers, developing organisations to meet carers’ needs and involving carers in decisions.

The results of the pilot scheme will be announced in the autumn. The council hopes to roll out the scheme to all Swindon employers

Coun Brian Ford, cabinet member for adults’ health and social care, said: “With so many people having to juggle caring responsibilities with their work life, it’s so important for businesses to support their employees who are also carers.

“I am pleased that throughout the past year we’ve worked with Swindon Carers Centre to develop this award to help employers to effectively support carers in the workplace by encouraging flexible working and working from home, for example.”

Swindon Carers Centre's Fiona Prinzi added: “The aim is to make sure carers are recognised and valued in the workplace.”