Phoenix Group, the largest life and pensions consolidator in Europe, today announces that it has been recognised by Carers Scotland as a Carer Positive ‘Exemplary’ employer in Scotland. The award demonstrates the support the Group provides for its employees who are working carers, through a combination of practical support and policy, awareness raising and training and an active Carers Network.

Carer Positive is operated by Carers Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. The Carer Positive commitments recognise those employers who offer the best support to carers, allowing them the flexibility they may need to deliver care at home. The ‘Exemplary’ Level 3 Award is the highest accolade given to organisations who go above and beyond in their caring commitments to colleagues and who demonstrate innovative and creative approaches to supporting and involving carers across their organisation.

Phoenix Group’s presence as an employer in Scotland grew substantially in 2018 when it acquired the Edinburgh-based life and pensions business, Standard Life Assurance. The Group has a number of policies in place to support its colleagues who have caring responsibilities, recognising that there are a large variety of personal situations required to help colleagues balance caring responsibilities alongside work. Options made available to employees of Standard Life Assurance, part of the Phoenix Group, include five days paid Carers Leave and access to an Employee Assistance Programme which provides access to counselling 365 days a year. The service offers a wide range of support relating to life management giving advice on practical issues carers may face, including claiming benefits, organising respite care, fundraising and obtaining specialised equipment.

In addition, Phoenix offers its employees flexible working, the ability to make up time taken off work and emergency leave, all of which helps to support working carers.

Stephen Jefford, Group HR Director and Executive Sponsor of the Carers Network at Phoenix Group said: “We recognise that many colleagues will have a caring commitment at some point in their working lives. We want to ensure we support them in balancing their caring responsibilities alongside their career. We’re delighted to be recognised as a Carer Positive employer in Scotland and believe that an appropriately thoughtful workplace helps colleagues remain committed and engaged through times of enduring challenge.”

Phoenix Group has a very active Carers Network which forms a significant part of support to those colleagues who have caring responsibilities and provides a forum to share experiences and information on being a carer, as well as the chance to meet colleagues facing similar challenges. The Carers Network collaborates with the Group and its members on support and policy development, and promotes the network internally to raise awareness amongst colleagues of the support and guidance available to all.

The Carers Network will be supporting Carers Week, from 8th-14th June 2020, with a range of events and awareness raising activity. The Network is also involved in the Edinburgh areas Network of Carers Network which meets regularly with other organisations to promote caring and share experiences in Scotland.

Sue McLintock, Manager – Carer Positive Awards at Carers Scotland, said: “We are delighted to recognise Phoenix Group as a Carer Positive Exemplary employer. The Group has worked really hard to develop and embed a strong culture of support for carers and is clearly committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of all employees. The award is well deserved and Phoenix Group sets a great example to other employers in how they value and support their colleagues to manage work and caring responsibilities.”

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Media enquiries:

Rachel Esland
PR and Public Affairs Manager
Standard Life Assurance, part of Phoenix Group
0131 245 0489 / 07892 705093
rachel_esland@standardlife.com