On July 11, members of Employers for Carers (EfC) came together at CMS Cameron McKenna’s London offices to celebrate 15 years of EfC and 5 years of the Carer Confident benchmarking scheme. The Summer Reception centered around the journey of advocating for carers rights in the workplace and how the membership forum and accreditation came to be the success that they are today.

Helen Walker opened the celebration by recalling the 10th anniversary celebration, which was one of the first events she attended after becoming Chief Executive at Carers UK. She noted that EfC has more than doubled in the last five years to include over 230 organisations, now reaching 2.7 million employees, a growth which underscores the significant value the forum brings to employers, providing vital support and resources to integrate carer-friendly policies within their organisations.

Helen then went on to highlight the substantial popularity that Carer Confident has acquired since its launch in 2019, reflecting the growing importance of acknowledging carers' needs within diversity and inclusion and wider workplace initiatives. Through now 80 Carer Confident employers from various sectors, the scheme has successfully demonstrated how supportive and inclusive workplaces can empower and value carers.

The evening continued with remarks from key figures instrumental in the development and continued success of EfC and Carer Confident. First to speak was Caroline Waters, the first EfC Chair from 2009 to 2013, who remarked on the early days of getting the forum off the ground. She shared that workplace recognition and support for carers was virtually non-existent 15 years ago and that Employers for Carers began as a movement for the ‘right to care and a career’. Caroline’s leadership was crucial in getting EfC off the ground, laying a strong foundation for its future growth.

Ian Peters, EfC Chair from 2013-2019, spoke next on the evolution of EfC and carer support in the workplace. He referred to his time as managing director at Centrica, which saw carers across the organisation join forces to set up an employee-led network, one of the first carers networks in the UK. Ian emphasised important pillars of carer friendly workplace practices, including giving recognition, acting with purpose and learning on an individual and organisational level.

Helen finally welcomed Angela Gibson from TSB, who have been members of the forum for 4 years and during that relatively short period have achieved Level 3 Carer Confident. Angela highlighted TSB's journey towards creating a carer-friendly workplace and the benefits that the accreditation has brought to both employees and the organisation. She remarked that although the organisation is recognised as a Carer Confident Ambassador, they continue to find opportunities to enhance support for carers within the business.

Helen concluded the remarks portion of the event by looking at the journey ahead for Employers for Carers and Carer Confident, emphasising the need to  maintain momentum to go above and beyond in supporting unpaid carers in the workplace. She highlighted what members can expect from Carers UK following the newly announced government, including campaigning and striving for greater wins, such as making caring the 10th protected characteristic and giving employees access to paid leave to care.

Following the speakers, there was a clear buzz in the air, as familiar faces chatted with one another, and new connections were formed over prosecco and canapes.