Managers play a key role in creating a supportive and inclusive environment to help colleagues balance their work with caring responsibilities. Here's a reminder of a few simple actions that can make a big difference in supporting carers:

• Allow team members to discuss caring responsibilities and possible support they may need in one-to-ones, appraisals or general discussions with you as required.
• Explore options and flexibility, appropriate to the role and caring needs, that help your team member balance work and caring.  This could be through hybrid or agile working arrangements, flexible use of annual leave, and as a reminder, there is the option for a carer to use statutory carers leave/dependency leave (see Additional Leave Policy).
• Bear in mind that some needs will be intermittent and/or short-term whereas other support may need to be more routine. Longer term arrangements could be supported via a Flexible Working Request.
• Remind your team about the RBBC Carer's Group and support them to attend if they wish. They generally meet for one hour, once a month. 
• RBBC is committed to supporting colleagues with unpaid caring responsibilities where possible. If you need any additional support or guidance in supporting your team member, please speak to your HR Advisor.