Business Awards Nomination Guidance

We are giving you the opportunity to say THANK YOU for any outstanding service that has made an impact and difference to someone in their caring role or for employers who demonstrate an understanding of the needs of a Carer. The Carer Friendly Business Awards Birmingham was launched to help promote the importance of supporting carers in the workplace and to engage with businesses across the city.

Who can be nominated?

• The awards are for businesses across Birmingham which have contributed to supporting carers in their community and/or workplace.
• We are looking for organisations and individuals who are carer friendly and regularly go above and beyond in their support for carers.
• Nominations will only be accepted from Birmingham residents and business service providers, employers, and staff in the city.
• Nominations for the Awards run from June 8th, 2020, which is the start of Carers Week and will run until September 25th, 2020.
• The winners will be announced with an awards breakfast on Tuesday 26th November 2020.

How to nominate someone for an Award

Complete the attached nomination form giving details of the nominee and why you feel they merit the Award. Nominations can also be made online here

Alternatively, once completed, send the form to:

FREEPOST RTZL-USLG-YTCE
Birmingham Carers Hub/Forward Carers
Touchbase Pears
750 Bristol Road
Selly Oak
Birmingham
B29 6NA

or email the nomination form to carerfriendly@forwardcarers.org.uk with ‘Nomination Form’ in the subject field.

All nominations either by post, email or via the Forward Carers website must be received by 5pm on Friday 25th September 2020.

What are the categories?

Carer Friendly – is your workplace Carer Friendly? Do they ensure you are supported whilst balancing work and caring? Have you attended an event or activity and been impressed by the work they are doing to better understand and support Carers?

Carer Aware – a business has brightened your day, by making a small change this business has improved the lives of Carers – maybe they offer a discount, maybe they ensure the layout of the business gives you the space to take a wheelchair around? Maybe you are a parent carer and you feel welcomed to take your children to the local café without judgment?

Making a Difference – Has a local business or organisation made a real difference to your life? Do you feel supported and valued in your role as a Carer? Does your local GP practice ensure you have access to resources locally – maybe they run a Carers Group or host regular awareness sessions? Has your experience at a local hospital exceeded your expectations to allow you to continue in your caring role?

Carers Champion – Do you have a work colleague who goes above and beyond to ensure Carers are valued in the workplace? Maybe they have invested time to ensure you can access information and support? Maybe your line manager understands that you are balancing work and caring and has worked to allow you flexibility in your working week?

This year, 2020, we are also looking for nominations for the ‘UNSUNG HERO’ award dedicated to those businesses, organisations and or individuals who during the Covid-19 has stepped up and beyond to continue to support Carers throughout this period.

How will the nominations be judged?

All entries will be anonymous and reviewed by an independent panel of family carers and professionals. The decisions of the judging panel are final.