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.
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.