Supporting carers at ACU
Many of us manage work and caring responsibilities. In fact, three million Australians1 provide unpaid care to a member of their immediate family or household every year.
Caring for others is at the core of ACU's mission, evidenced by our commitment to the dignity of the person and the common good. We know that anyone can become a carer at any time, and support from ACU can help you to balance your roles at home and work. Support for staff who have caring responsibilities is embedded in our policies and practices, including our generous leave entitlements and options to work flexibly.
ACU's Carers Guide is a new resource that provides helpful information for staff and supervisors to assist them in navigating the caring journey. It outlines options for workplace support and entitlements, and provides links to useful external resources. It also provides helpful conversation tips to assist staff and supervisor in their conversations about support for caring responsibilities.
Hear from ACU staff member Professor Justin Kemp about the support he has received to balance his career alongside a caring journey.
Professor Karen Nightingale, National Head of School Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences
"As a national head of school, it is important to recognise and acknowledge the often-unseen work of care givers and the impact that caregiving may have on their emotional and physical health. I am appreciative of the work that People & Capability have done in providing this excellent resource, which I highly recommend to all staff to facilitate not only a conversation about their responsibilities as a caregiver, but also identifies helpful resources and strategies to support them in their role as a caregiver."
Trevor Ianna, National Manager Access and Disability Service, Student Experience
"At ACU, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment that upholds our mission of 'Truth in Love' and our values of equity, diversity, and accessibility, while also supporting the holistic wellbeing of our community. The release of the Carers Guide is a significant step in ensuring that our colleagues who juggle work and personal carer responsibilities are provided with the understanding, resources, and support they need. This guide reflects our collective dedication to creating a compassionate and inclusive workplace where every staff member feels valued and supported. I encourage all staff and supervisors to engage with this guide, not just as a resource, but as a reflection of our shared commitment to empathy, respect, and the support of one another in our ACU community. Together, we can ensure that those with caring responsibilities are empowered to balance their roles with confidence and care, knowing they are never alone in their journey."
Resources factsheet for carers
ACU Working Parents Workplace Group
Acacia EAP Employee Assistance Program
For more information and assistance contact GEDI@acu.edu.au
1 Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2022 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC)
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