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Carers

Supporting staff that also care for someone when they are not at work, is important. It is important for line managers to understand how caring for someone can have an impact on a staff members’ health and wellbeing and to ensure appropriate support is put in place to maintain their health and wellbeing. This will also ensure staff, who are carers, can continue to work if they wish to do so.

There are many ways line managers can ensure a supportive working environment for carers and we recommend that you have a discussion with staff members to discuss the options. This does not necessarily require big changes within the workplace, it can be small adjustments which can make a big difference.

Identifying staff who are carers

To be able to identify staff, who have caring responsibilities outside of work, it is important to have a clear definition. The NHS Scotland Special Leave policy defines a Carer as ‘someone who has responsibility for a family member, partner, friend, or another individual who relies on the employee.’

Many carers do not identify themselves as a carer, they may describe themselves as ‘looking after’ or ‘supporting’ someone. Many do not think about informing their line manager that they are a carer. Although the aim is a supportive working environment where carers feel comfortable informing their line manager that they are a carer, it is important to recognise that it is the staff member’s choice whether they disclose this.

Line managers might be aware of family circumstances that might suggest that the member of staff is also looking after or supporting someone. Think about opportunities when you could have a conversation with the staff member, for example at one to one meetings. If you require support on how to approach this conversation, please contact the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit.

Supporting Carers in the workplace

There is a range of support that line managers should be aware of when discussing an employee’s caring responsibilities with them.

Supportive NHSGGC Policies

As a line manager, you should familiarise yourself with the NHS Scotland Special Leave Policy, and the associated Manager Guide. In addition, you may find it helpful to look at this in conjunction with the NHS Scotland Flexible Work Pattern Policy.

For further advice on Workforce Policies, contact the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit.

Practical support

Supporting carers within the workplace is not always about changing working hours. There are practical and often small changes that can make a difference in the workplace. Here are some suggestions that might help:

  • Telephone access: providing private access to a telephone or allowing an employee to keep their mobile phone on in case they need to respond to an emergency. Staff are encouraged to provide work telephone numbers to dependents in some clinical areas where mobile phones are not permitted.
  • Health and Wellbeing Support: There are a lot of support services available for carers.  Managers should make themselves aware of what is available for staff. Posters and flyers promoting carer support services within the workplace, are available from the Public Health Resource Directory. Additionally, health and wellbeing information for NHSGGC staff is available on HR Connect. Occupational Health can provide support to staff if their own health is impacted.
Carer Support Services

There are dedicated support services across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and further afield. These services provide practical and emotional support for carers, they understand what it means to be a carer. The support these services provide can also help the person they look after.

You can also drop-in, call or email the Support & Information Service on the ground floor of the New Victoria and New Stobhill Hospitals and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Are you looking after someone when you are not at work? If this is you, then you could be a carer.

You may not identify yourself as a carer – you may see yourself as a partner, sister, brother or friend, and this relationship will not change. However in recognising yourself as a carer, this entitles you to certain rights and access to information and support, specifically for you as a carer that may assist you in your caring role. This may also be helpful for the person you care for.

The NHS Scotland Special Leave policy defines a Carer as ‘someone who has responsibility for a family member, partner, friend, or another individual who relies on the employee.’

Many carers say they do have a good balance between caring and being able to do other things in life. However for some, trying to balance working life and caring can be stressful and can affect health and wellbeing. 

“Research tells us that it is important to understand how caring can have an impact on wellbeing and to ensure that appropriate supports are put in place to maintain the health and wellbeing of the carer.”

We understand that it can be difficult at times to balance working life and being a carer. For this reason, we want to recognise and value our staff who are carers and raise awareness of the help and support that is available.

Help and Support

If you do look after someone, support is at hand. This includes supportive NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Policies and local community-based services dedicated to carers. Even if you do not need this help and support just now, it is good to know there are services out there should you need this in the future.

You can find out more information on support available, please visit our dedicated NHSGGC Carers page.

Carers Manager Information and Guidance
Carers Managers Webpage
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Policies
Local Carer Support Services

There are dedicated support services across Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and further afield. These services provide practical and emotional support for you as a carer and they understand what it means to be a carer. The support these services provide can also help the person you look after. 

What do carer support services provide?

  • Practical information for you. They will let you know about your rights as a carer and what help and support is available for you.
  • Emotional support and a listening ear for you.
  • Access to training that will support you in your role as a carer.
  • Information about financial support that may be available for you or for the person you look after.
  • Information about how to access short breaks from providing care.

Click on the Carer Contact Information webpage to find the contact information for services within your area.

Health, Wellbeing and Wider Support

There is a dedicated Staff Health page which provides information and support for staff on a range of health topics and factors that can impact on our health, all in one site.

You can also drop-in, call or email the Support & Information Service. Find out more on the Support and Information Services webpage.

The Spiritual Care team can also provide confidential, compassionate, inclusive, non-judgemental, person-centred spiritual, emotional and bereavement care and support. You’ll find out more information on the Spiritual Care team webpage.

Support for Staff with Money Worries

In the current economic climate, many staff are experiencing money and debt problems, which can increase personal stress.  NHSGGC has a number of resources to support staff.

The NHSGGC Money Management Guide covers money advice and affordable credit options for staff including the NHS Credit Union.

The ‘Help for You’ leaflet can also be used for staff experiencing money difficulties and copies can be left in staff informal meeting areas and notice boards.

Other sources of information:

Childcare Voucher Scheme

Staff are able to join the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme (TFC) via Childcare Choices.

Information relating to the former childcare scheme can be accessed at Fideliti Childcare Vouchers