South Eastern Regional College top of the class at employer awards

Employers For Childcare held its annual UK Family Friendly Employer Awards at a gala lunch in Galgorm Resort and Spa today (Wednesday 16 October 2019). Over 200 business leaders from across all sectors and from all parts of the UK gathered together to see South Eastern Regional College pick up the top accolade at the UK-wide Awards ceremony.  The Awards, now in their ninth year, acknowledge and showcase employers who go above and beyond the legal requirements to help staff achieve their desired work-life balance.

Marie Marin, Chief Executive of leading Social Enterprise and charity Employers For Childcare, which organises the Awards explains: “The context for these Awards is today very different from when we first began our work with employers, twenty years ago. It’s great to see that so many more employers, across all sectors, are now recognising the benefits of offering family friendly working policies. Research shows that this is crucial, in today’s increasingly competitive labour market, to attract and keep talent and increase employee engagement and satisfaction.”

“Today we are delighted to see such a wealth of organisations of all sizes demonstrating the innovative ways in which they support their staff. It’s encouraging to also see the realisation that being ‘family friendly’ is about more than just supporting parents with young children. It’s recognising that all employees, whatever their family situation, have lives and caring responsibilities outside of the workplace, whether that’s young children, older parents or even the much-loved family pet!”

“Employers For Childcare would like to acknowledge the support of all the sponsors for today’s event and to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for acting as our host here in the beautiful surroundings of Galgorm Resort. In helping to make these Awards possible, each of the sponsors has demonstrated their commitment to encouraging employers to be more family friendly, and I would like both to commend and to thank them for this”.

“I’d like to say a huge well done to South Eastern Regional College who are a worthy ‘Overall’ winner, having previously picked up a category award. The judges were impressed by the quality of their entry which highlighted the positive impact that being family friendly is having on their organisation, and demonstrated the business benefits from the wide range of policies they have on offer. In addition, they have demonstrated ambitious plans for the future, which is so important as we want to see organisations continuing to develop and lead the way in this important area. Well done to all involved as we know this requires commitment throughout the organisation”.

Speaking after receiving their Award, Emma Carson, HR Services Manager at South Eastern Regional College, commented: “On behalf of my colleagues at SERC we are delighted to have been named Family Friendly Employer of the Year 2019, particularly given the wide range of organisations recognised here today. ‘Family friendly’ is part of our philosophy. We have identified the positive impact this has for our staff, and work hard to support them through their rewarding career at SERC. We look forward to building on this Award in the years to come, ensuring our staff are engaged, supported and passionate as they inspire, transform and enrich the lives of our students.”

For a full list of winners at the 2019 Awards, click here.