HIE recognised for carer-friendly policies

5th November 2024

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has been formally recognised for the level of support given to their employees who have caring responsibilities.

The agency is the first employer in the region to be awarded exemplary employer status by Carer Positive, the organisation launched in 2013 to support employers and working carers.

HIE has also been shortlisted as a finalist in three categories in the Carer Positive 10th Anniversary Awards. These are Best Employer for Carer Support in Workplace Policies, the Best Employer for Peer Support, and the Best Overall Large Employer.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh on 13 November.

Helen Herd, HIE's head of HR, said, "We have been working hard to develop policies backed up by practical support for colleagues who have caring responsibilities. This is an important area for us to focus on as it helps reduce stress, burnout and sickness absence, as well as boosting loyalty, morale and productivity.

"More employees than ever before have caring responsibilities across the generations. HIE’s support for carers operates on the principle of give and take and trusts employees and line managers to work out what is best for different individuals dealing with different and sometimes very challenging and demanding situations.

“Being a carer positive employer helps us be an employer of choice when it comes to attracting and retaining talent.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive exemplary employer recognition from Carer Positive and to be shortlisted in three award categories."

Carer Positive is funded by the Scottish Government to develop an employer recognition scheme that raises awareness and promotes good practice across the country.