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Published: 26 Jun 2024

Anna Homewood, Aldermore Bank – Winner 2024, Family-Friendly Champion, sponsored by Arnold Clark

Upon joining Aldermore Bank, Anna Homewood, Director of Finance, recognized the need for a robust support system for working parents and carers. Her unwavering passion and leadership were instrumental in establishing the thriving Family and Carers Network – a testament to her dedication to employee well-being. Since its launch in July 2023, the Family & Carers Network has flourished under Anna’s leadership, boasting over 100 members and a dedicated team of 25+ volunteers

Driving impact 

Anna’s commitment extends beyond network creation. Her leadership has demonstrably improved the lives of working parents and carers at Aldermore. Within a year, the Family & Carer’s Network has delivered a range of impactful initiatives aimed at improving processes and policies and fostering a supportive culture. These include *the launch of a new and expectant parents handbook *panel discussions covering carers mental health and parenting *safe space support groups *quarterly events for new and expectant parents *a novel ‘parent buddy program’ *Lasting Power of Attorney event * launch of enhanced carers policy *Parenting Loud panel event *External guest speaker Anna Mathur *Family & Carers flagship event week * new intranet site for resource sharing & experience exchange  

Setting the tone 

Anna’s infectious enthusiasm has been a driving force behind the Network’s success. Her approachable leadership style has empowered working mothers, fathers, and carers to step forward as volunteers. A skilled motivator, she effectively communicates the importance of these initiatives to both colleagues and senior management. Furthermore, she champions executive sponsorship for working parent and carer empowerment, securing the backing of a exco committee member. Anna fosters a collaborative environment where achievements are celebrated and a flexible working culture with open communication is encouraged. 

Instilling confidence 

Anna’s dedication extends beyond immediate needs. She recognizes the importance of career progression for working parents and carers. Through various initiatives, she has actively empowered women to break down barriers and overcome imposter syndrome. Under her leadership she has ensured promising female talent receive coaching and mentoring opportunities, and actively supported their career aspirations. These efforts have fostered a more confident workforce across the organization. 

Creating inclusive policies 

Anna has been a driving force for policy changes that address the needs of working families throughout various life stages. Under her leadership the Network helped spearhead a policy review leading to enhanced carer support policies. Additionally, she raised awareness of existing family-friendly benefits, including the launch of parental bereavement leave and stillbirth policies. Anna is a champion for the future, with plans to research and develop a suite of additional family-friendly benefits. She also advocates a “parenting out loud” culture where senior leadership share experiences, further normalizing discussions around parenthood.