Introduction 

At Carers Collective, we are committed to operating in a way that positively impacts the environment, supports our people, and upholds strong governance practices. As a new charity supporting unpaid and paid carers, our ESG standards reflect our dedication to sustainability, fairness, and transparency across all aspects of our organisation.

Environmental Standards

As a predominantly online organisation, Carers Collective minimises its environmental impact by:

• Digital-First Delivery: All our support services, resources, and events are delivered online, reducing the need for travel and lowering our carbon footprint.

• Paperless Operations: Our communications, record-keeping, and administrative processes are fully digital to reduce paper consumption.

• Continuous Improvement: We regularly review our operations to identify ways to further minimise our environmental impact.

Social Standards

Our commitment to social responsibility is embedded  within our charity’s mission and how we engage with our staff, carers, and community:

• Fair Pay and Freelance Workforce: We engage freelance staff and consultants, all of whom are paid fairly and above the real living wage. Freelancers manage their own workload, ensuring flexibility and wellbeing.

• Inclusive Community: We actively promote inclusivity, supporting carers from diverse backgrounds, including those from marginalised and underrepresented communities.

• Mental Health and Wellbeing: We prioritise the wellbeing of our staff, freelancers, and the carers we support, offering resources and signposting to mental health services.

• Training and Development: We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of our team and community.

Governance Standards

Strong governance is at the heart of Carers Collective. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making through:

• Board of Trustees: Our board of trustees provides strategic oversight and ensures we operate in line with our charitable mission and values.

• Transparent Reporting: We are open about how we operate, including financial management, decision-making processes, and impact reporting.

• Compliance and Ethics: We adhere to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including safeguarding, data protection, and equal opportunities.

• Stakeholder Engagement: We engage with carers, staff, and partners to ensure their voices are reflected in our decision-making processes.

Conclusion

These ESG standards guide how Carers Collective operates and grows, ensuring that we make a positive impact on society, minimise our environmental footprint, and uphold the highest levels of transparency and accountability. We are committed to regularly reviewing and improving our practices as part of our journey to creating a fairer, more inclusive future for unpaid carers.