Carer Scheme credential logo

Carer Scheme

A UK‑based employer benchmarking and recognition scheme that assesses how organisations support employees who are, or may become, unpaid carers. It recognises and inspires inclusive workplace practices that identify, support and retain staff with caring responsibilities.

Overview

Founded Year:
Founder: Employers for Carers, supported by Carers UK
Purpose: To assist employers in developing positive, inclusive workplace support for unpaid carers and to recognise those achieving supportive practice standards.

Governing Body

Organisation Name: Employers for Carers (EfC) / Carers UK
Company Status: Non‑profit / charity
Regulatory Status: Industry benchmarking and accreditation scheme
Industry Standing: Widely recognised employer benchmarking scheme in the UK for carer support within workplaces, backed by Carers UK and incorporated into broader carer strategy discussions in policy and organisational best practices.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply: Employers with a UK presence from public, private or voluntary sectors willing to benchmark against carer support criteria.
Requirements:
Submission of self‑assessment evidence describing ...Demonstration of policy, practice and engagement r...Application for one of the scheme’s recognised lev...
Restrictions:
Only employers with a UK presence are eligibleEvidence must relate to carer support policies and...

Judging Criteria

Evaluation Factors:
Preparation to enable carers to identify themselvesPolicy transparency around carer supportPractical support provisions available to carersPeer support and engagement mechanismsCommunication and promotion of carer support initiatives

Categories

Available Categories:
Level 1: Active (addressing carer support)Level 2: Accomplished (providing effective support)Level 3: Ambassador (leading carer support advocacy)

Accreditation Requirements

Inspection Required:
  • No formal onsite inspection
  • Assessment is based on evidence submitted and selfassessment against the criteria.
Documentation Required:
Employer carer support policiesEvidence of practical provisions and engagement wi...Documentation demonstrating communication and incl...
Compliance Standards:
Benchmark criteria defined by Employers for Carers...
Sources:

Verification Process

Public Register:
Certificate Validation Method: Accreditation is verified through official confirmation by Employers for Carers and is often published on scheme lists and organisational announcements.
Sources:

Renewal & Compliance

Renewal Frequency: Valid benchmark accreditation is typically recognised for three years, with mid‑period review declarations of continued support.
CPD Requirements:
Audit Process: Periodic re‑submission of evidence may be required to maintain or progress accreditation levels.
Sources:

Benefits

Reputation: Recognition as a Carer Confident employer enhances organisational reputation as a supportive and inclusive workplace for carers.
Patient Trust Impact:

Patient Safety Impact

Mechanisms of Protection:
Encourages best practices for supporting carer wellbeing within employment contextPromotes recognition and support which can improve health and wellbeing outcomes for unpaid carers
Limitations:
Scheme focuses on workplace practice rather than clinical or patient safetyAccreditation does not equate to professional licensure or clinical competence standards

Comparison with Other Bodies

Comparable Entities:
Carer Positive (Scotland) employer recognition schemeDisability Confident employer scheme (UK)
Key Differences:
Carer Confident is specifically focused on unpaid carer support within workplaces in the UK; Disability Confident addresses broader disability inclusion criteria.Carer Positive is a Scottish government‑supported recognition that operates alongside similar aims.

Industry Recognition

Media Mentions:
Accreditation achievements by employers such as Sodexo and NHS trusts highlight successful uptake of Carer Confident levels.
Endorsements:
Supported and operated by Employers for Carers, a forum backed by Carers UK.
Credibility Signals:
Integration into UK civil service employer support strategies and recognition of accredited employers.

Government Regulation Status

Statutory Backing:
Regulated By:
Legal Status:
  • Independent employer benchmarking and accreditation scheme in the UK
  • Not a statutory government regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions