North Ayrshire Council has been recognised as a Carer Positive ‘Exemplary’ employer in Scotland.

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care by looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner.

The award demonstrates the support the council provides for its employees who are working carers, through a combination of practical support, policy, awareness raising and training, and an active Carers Network.

Carer Positive is operated by Carers Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

The Carer Positive commitments recognise those employers who offer the best support to carers, allowing them the flexibility they may need to deliver caring responsibilities.

The ‘Exemplary’ Level 3 Award is the highest accolade given to organisations who go above and beyond in their caring commitments to colleagues and who demonstrate innovative and creative approaches in supporting and involving carers across their organisation.

The council was awarded the Carer Positive ‘Engaged’ status in June 2018 and by June 2019 was awarded the ‘Established’ accreditation.

Councillor Nairn McDonald, North Ayrshire Council’s carers’ champion said: “It is a fantastic recognition of the council’s continued progress to create a supportive working environment not only for carers, but for all of our employees.

“It demonstrates how the council understands fully the challenges carers face, while recognising the importance of helping carers to feel valued and supported.

“With approximately 7,500 employees, it’s important for us to recognise that we may all have caring responsibilities at some point, and this is why the council has the policies and procedures in place to provide the support that is required, when it is required.

“By ensuring we continue to have ‘carer friendly’ polices and working practices, we can support more carers who are juggling their work and caring responsibilities.”

The Carer Positive initiative is aligned to the Scottish Government’s aspirations to promote fairer working practices across Scotland. North Ayrshire Council becoming recognised as a Carer Positive ‘Exemplary’ Employer is an example of best practice for other local authorities and workplaces to follow suit.

If you are a young carer in need of support, visit the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care website for more information: http://nahscp.org/support-for-carers/young-carers/