A pioneering initiative for businesses in the Bradford district is designed to support the thousands of workers balancing jobs with unpaid caring responsibilities and is set to officially launch on Wednesday 21st January 2026.
The Bradford Employer Carer Network (BECN) is a new, free-to-join initiative spearheaded by Carers’ Resource, the specialist charity supporting unpaid carers across Bradford, Craven, and Harrogate. The network aims to unite forward-thinking local businesses to improve staff retention, wellbeing, and productivity by creating more supportive workplaces.
Supporting the ‘Invisible’ Workforce
With the recent introduction of the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 and the Flexible Working Act 2023, the legal landscape for employers is changing. BECN has been designed to help HR leaders, ED&I professionals, and managers navigate these changes while fostering a culture of inclusion.
The Launch Event
The official launch event on January 21st will feature insights from some of the region’s largest employers who are already leading the way in carer support. Key speakers include:
- Bradford Council: Sharing insights from their internal Working Carer Network.
- Skipton Building Society: Presenting a case study on their successful Working Parent and Carer Network.
Attendees will learn how these organisations have implemented practical solutions to support staff, reduce sickness absence, and improve employee loyalty.
A Wealth of Free Resources
Membership in the BECN is entirely free and provides local businesses with a comprehensive toolkit to support their workforce, including:
- Monthly ‘Lunch and Learn’ Sessions: 30-minute online briefings on actionable tools.
- One-to-One Support: Expert guidance on implementing Carer’s Policies, Carer’s Passports, and Flexible Working Frameworks.
- Quarterly Networking: Opportunities for HR and wellbeing leads to share best practices and build professional relationships across the district.
- Branding Assets: Members receive a Certificate of Membership and use of the BECN logo to enhance their employer brand and demonstrate social value.
Why it Matters
Unpaid carers often face the difficult choice of leaving the workforce due to the pressures of their caring roles. By joining the network, Bradford employers can access the expertise needed to keep these skilled individuals in work, aligning their business with modern legislative requirements and strengthening their internal culture.
How to Join
Local business owners, HR professionals, and managers are invited to attend the launch to find out what membership means for their organisation.
To book your free place at the launch event register online here or contact: Natalie Kershaw, nkershaw@carersresource.org,
Tel: 01274 449660, Mob: 07801 577148
Learn more about the network – www.carersresource.org
