Carer Positive
In 2024, HWU was awarded its first Carer Positive Employer award at the Engaged Level. The 3-tier accreditation aims to raise awareness of the challenges facing working carers and encourage employers to create a supportive working environment for carers in the workplace. Endorsed by the Scottish Funding Council, the Scottish Government funded initiative is operated by Carers Scotland and consists of hundreds of private and public sector accredited employers.
A carer is anyone, including children and adults who regularly looks after a dependant with a long-term care need such as a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their long-term illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.
We have plans to further carer inclusion over the next academic year.
Heriot-Watt also provides a range of support for student carers. Further information can be found here.
Support for carers - policies & procedures
The University recognises that employees with caring responsibilities may find it difficult at times to balance the demands of work and home life. Employees who are defined as carers can request additional time off by following the Procedure for Carer's Leave.
The full Supporting Family Life Policy and relevant procedures can be found here under the Family friendly policies heading.
Parents & Carers Network
There is a peer support network of staff and students at Heriot-Watt who are parents and/or carers. An online Teams space provides a forum for sharing experiences, exchanging tips and advice, and connecting with others. The network aims to have a few in-person gatherings per year. Interested colleagues can join with this link or contact equality@hw.ac.uk.
External support
Carers UK - Provides an expert telephone advice and support service for carers, as well as providing an abundance of online information.
Carers Scotland - Provides expert advice, information, and support, as well as connecting carers, so no-one has to care alone. They also campaign for lasting change and continually look to find new innovative ways to reach and support carers.
Vocal - Provide support for Carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian with a range of practical information, and emotional support. They also offer support to understand and navigate through various health, social care and education systems.
Carers Trust - Give carers a voice and highlights their work to the public. They also campaign and work with politicians and policy holders to create real change for unpaid carers throughout the UK.
Key information
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- equality@hw.ac.uk