BT, Commended 2012, Best for Carers and Eldercare Award

BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications services and solutions employing more than 89,000 people worldwide and 73,800 people in the UK. With such a large workforce the company reflects the experiences of UK society and demographic trends, including the increasing number of working people who are becoming carers.

BT has recognised this change and introduced a carers section, available to all employees via BT’s internal intranet site. This intranet site provides direct access to information and practical help from BT and the wider community. During consultation with carers it became clear that employees do not wish to explain their personal information about caring responsibilities to a new manager, each time they change roles.  BT created the Carers Passport which enables the carer and their current manager to document the agreed arrangements, to ensure continuity with their new manager.

Carers enjoy a high level of support within BT. The organisation also chairs Employers for Carers, a forum which lobbies government for better recognition of the contribution of carers, resolution of carers issues and sharing best practice.

Carers also have support from BT’s Employee Carers Network which provides specialist speakers and talks from experts on caring-related issues. Each year Carers Week is marked by a series of high profile promotions aimed at making people aware of the role of carers, the issues affecting them and sharing how others have overcome similar issues.

A full range of flexible working arrangements is available to carers. Support is also provided to carers’ line managers and colleagues through a range of bespoke materials which are available to all employees.