Launch of the Carers Working Group
The Carers Working Group at NDPCHS brings together staff and students to improve support for colleagues balancing work with caring responsibilities.
Supporting Carers in Our Department: Why It Matters
Caring responsibilities are a part of life for many of us, but they are not always visible. Whether someone is looking after children, supporting elderly parents, or caring for a partner or sibling, balancing these roles alongside work can be both rewarding and challenging.
We know how important it is to recognise and support colleagues who are carers. Our Carers Working Group brings together staff and students with a wide range of experiences to help improve the support available and build a more inclusive workplace.
The three Chairs of the group are: Jo Gearing, Charles Vicary, and Claire Friedemann Smith.
Lived experience and shared commitment
Jo Gearing, who joined NDPCHS in 2021, co-chairs the Carers Working Group. She explains how her personal experience shaped her motivation to get involved:
“Caring for close family members while working made me realise how important it is to feel recognised and supported. That’s what drove me to volunteer with the Carers Group. I want to help make sure we’re supporting all kinds of caring roles, and building a workplace where carers feel understood and valued.”
Jo is also a member of the department’s Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team (SAT), which works on equality and inclusion initiatives.
Bringing professional and personal insight
Charles Vicary, a trial manager on the RESTED trial, brings both personal and professional insight to the group. He has a younger brother with autism and learning disabilities, and his caring role has increased as his parents get older.
“I’ve seen how helpful the right support can be for working carers – both from my own experience and from my time working in adoption, fostering, and adult social care. I want to make sure our department enables carers to manage their responsibilities at home and still thrive at work.”
Finding balance in early parenthood
Claire Friedemann Smith, a senior researcher in the Cancer Theme, joined the group after becoming a parent.
“Since having my daughter Emma, I’ve felt lucky to have flexibility at work – but I’ve also found the unpredictability and the lack of extra hours really difficult. It’s easy to feel like you’re letting someone down, no matter what you prioritise. Through the Carers Working Group, I hope we can offer reliable information and support to colleagues who are juggling caring and work, whether they’re new to it or have been doing it for years.”
Looking ahead
The Carers Working Group is continuing to explore ways to support staff with caring responsibilities. This includes improving access to information, raising awareness, and creating a space where carers can connect and share their experiences.
We know that caring looks different for everyone – and that’s why listening to and learning from each other matters.