Become a certified Carer Friendly Employer
The Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark recognises employers (of all sizes) who have demonstrated their commitment to supporting staff who balance paid work with a caring role. You can apply directly for accreditation, or we can work alongside you to develop Carer Friendly practices that meet our criteria. These approaches help strengthen staff retention, reduce absence and future-proof your workforce.
Are you Carer Aware?
In the UK, an estimated 5.8 million people are unpaid Carers and around 1 in 7 employees balance paid work with caring responsibilities. In sectors such as health, care and the voluntary sector, this can rise to 1 in 3 staff. Without the right understanding and support, the impact is significant, around 600 Carers leave work every day because they are struggling to manage both roles. Many are aged 45–64, meaning organisations are losing experienced, skilled and senior members of their workforce.
Becoming a Carer Friendly Employer makes clear business sense. Supporting working Carers helps you retain valued staff, reduce turnover and recruitment costs, lowers absence and stress-related sickness. It strengthens workplace culture, while enhancing your reputation as a responsible and inclusive employer.
Become a certified Carer Friendly Employer
Become a certified Carer Friendly Employer with the Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark. Built around five clear criteria, it’s a practical framework that any organisation, in any sector can implement to create a workplace where staff can successfully balance work and caring responsibilities. Whether you’re just starting out or already have strong support in place, we provide step-by-step guidance and independent recognition of your commitment.
Our straightforward toolkits, training and mentoring relationship helps you understand the needs of working Carers in your workforce and introduce achievable, high-impact Carer Friendly practices that make a real difference to staff wellbeing and retention.
The Commitment Mark is part of our Carer Friendly Communities scheme and is the UK’s only trademarked Carer Friendly recognition programme. Carer Friendly status is only awarded to organisations that meet the five commitment criteria. We work alongside you, including HR and EDI teams, staff networks and senior leaders to develop a tailored programme that fits your organisation and delivers measurable impact.
Cost
Employer Commitment Mark costs vary depending on the size of your organisation and the level of support required.
Employer Aware is a submission-only option.
You provide your evidence against the criteria, and we review it. If the required standard is met, a certificate is awarded with social media banners and entry into CFE Directory.
£350 + VAT (Any size organisation)
Commitment Mark is the full benefits package:
£500 + VAT (0–10 employees)
£1,000 + VAT (10–50 employees)
£2,000 + VAT (50+ employees)
Confident Employer includes Commitment Mark and all associated benefits, alongside a full in-person training package and enhanced support to help embed Carer Friendly practice across your organisation.
£5000 + VAT (50+ employees & full Training Package and enhanced coaching offer.)
Not-for-profits and micro businesses can contact us to discuss reduced fees of up to 50%.
Apply today and access a wide range of resources, including:
Carer Friendly Employer Benefits:
- Improved retention of experienced staff
- Reduced absenteeism
- Improved staff wellbeing
- Increased diversity and inclusion
- Competitive advantage in recruitment
- Greater social value
What’s included in the Commitment Mark package:
- Certification, award plaque, social media banners
- Carer Friendly Employer (CFE) mentoring & support
- Trained Carer Champion, handbook and action plan
- Carer Awareness training and line management resources
- Carer Friendly Review of Policies and Staff benefits
- Advertising and promotion with entry into CFE Directory
- Access to the Carer Friendly Employer Network
- Access to the Carer Friendly Employer Business Awards
- Up to 4 coaching meetings over 12 months
“To receive this accreditation reaffirms our commitment, as we work towards being a more inclusive organisation.”
Mark Garrick, Director of Strategy and Quality Development, UHB NHS Foundation Trust
“This commitment Mark signifies our achievement and intensions. We’ve been on a journey of seeking to take the support for people in BCHC who are Carers more seriously for quite a while now and I am really grateful to the Carers’ network for helping us do that. It’s been eye-opening just how many in our staff have caring responsibilities outside of work.”
Richard Kirby, CEO of BCHC NHS Foundation Trust
“Action for Children is incredibly proud to achieve the Carer Friendly Employer Commitment mark, confirming our dedication towards creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all staff.”
Brigitte Gater, Managing Director of Children’s Services at Action for Children
“We are proud to receive this award in recognition of our company culture. We care about our employees and provide the support and flexibility they need to balance work with caring responsibilities now and in the future. We know there is always more we can do, and achieving this recognition strengthens our commitment to continue building and improving that support.”
Peter Bywater, Managing Director at Ridgewater Energy
Join our FREE online discovery sessions
Join our 30-minute interactive Discovery Session to explore the business case for Carer Friendly workplaces. Around 1 in 7 employees is balancing work and caring responsibilities in your workforce today — learn who they are and how to support them. We’ll share practical tips and quick wins, our workplace training options and explain how you can achieve the Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark certification
Carer Friendly Community Members
These stand-out organisations have been certified as Carer Friendly Employers. Please note: this is a snapshot at a point in time and does not reflect the full Carer Friendly Employer directory.
