The award acknowledges the efforts of Ridgewater Energy, in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for their employees. It is awarded to organisations, that can evidence how they are working towards, a set of five carer friendly standards, that actively support their employees who are also carers at home Including, enabling their employees to have extra time off, to enable them to meet their needs as a Carer.

Peter Bywater, the Managing Director at Ridgewater Energy said “We are really proud to receive this award, in recognition of our company’s culture, under which, we care about our employees and give them the support and flexibility, to fulfil any caring responsibilities they may have now, and in the future. We recognise that there is always more we can do, but in achieving this recognition, we have made a strong commitment to carry on providing and strengthening this support.”

One Ridgewater employee, who is an unpaid carer for their parents said “I really value and appreciate knowing that the support is there, when I need it. Because, I know there is the flexibility for me to have extra time off, flexibility in attending appointments and knowing the company I work for, fully support my needs and go beyond what is typically expected from legislation, I can focus on both my wellness and my parents care, knowing they have my back.”

Unpaid, or family Carers, make up 1 in 7 workers in the UK. Currently, 1 in 6 working Carers give up work or reduce their hours due to their caring role, and many others affected by poor wellbeing and stress. With many working Carers aged 45 – 64 years old, these are likely to be your most senior and skilled staff.

Due to population growth and ageing, by 2030, the number of Carers is expected to double. Working Carers will become a larger proportion of the workforce and workplaces will need to develop better support to manage the impact and retain their staff. Estimates suggest, that the pandemic created a further 4.5 million Carers across the UK.

The team at Ridgewater Energy undertook training on Carer Awareness, to help their understanding of the caring role and to equip their advisors and assessors with the knowledge to offer more support to their clients and help advocate for carers. They also support other care providing organisations, through donations, attending events, delivering talks and by always considering the needs of carers when delivering projects.

“We are incredibly impressed by the dedication and care Ridgewater Energy has shown in putting the wellbeing of their staff at the heart of their workplace culture. Their commitment goes beyond supporting employees who are Carers – by completing our Carer Awareness training, they have ensured that all staff are equipped to recognise and understand the challenges Carers face, both within their workforce and across the wider community. It’s inspiring to see a company using this knowledge to guide others towards support, creating a ripple effect of care and understanding that truly embodies what it means to be a Carer Friendly Employer.”

Rachel Close – programme Manager – Community and Business relationships – Forward Carers.