We are delighted to share that Forward Carers has been named Best Small Employer at the 2026 Working Families Best Practice Awards.
The award recognises employers that create supportive, flexible workplaces where people can thrive both professionally and personally.
The judges highlighted our Smart Working Week, enhanced parental leave offer, and our success in extending flexible working practices across frontline delivery roles as well as office-based positions.
Our Smart Working Week is built on a simple principle: 100% of salary for 80% of hours, while maintaining 100% of delivery and outcomes.
The model reflects our belief that supporting staff wellbeing and delivering excellent outcomes for Carers and families go hand in hand.
By working smarter and focusing on outcomes, we have created a more sustainable way of working without compromising the quality of our services.
Anna Smith, Executive Manager at Forward Carers, said:
“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition. Creating a workplace where people can thrive in work and outside of work has always been important to us, particularly as many of our staff balance family, caring and wider responsibilities alongside their roles.
The Smart Working Week was never about doing less. It was about working smarter, focusing on what matters most and creating a sustainable way of working that benefits both our team and the people we support. Maintaining 100% of delivery and outcomes while giving colleagues more time outside work has shown what is possible when organisations are prepared to challenge traditional ways of working.”
This award reflects our wider commitment to creating Carer Friendly Communities. Alongside supporting unpaid Carers directly, we work with employers to help them become more Carer-friendly through workplace training, consultancy and our Carer Friendly Workplace certification programme.
These initiatives help organisations create environments where employees can successfully balance work, family and caring responsibilities while strengthening wellbeing, retention and organisational performance.
The award is particularly pertinent in the wake of World Flexible Working Awareness Day 2026 on 21st June.
The day is a good reminder that for many, particularly unpaid Carers, flexible working is not just a perk, but a lifeline.
At Forward Carers, we are committed to providing the balance of work and life which is so crucial for staff, whether they are Carers or not.
We are grateful to Working Families for this recognition and to every member of the Forward Carers team whose commitment, creativity and dedication have helped build the culture and drive that priorities outcomes for Carers.
