The GP Carer Awards Programme has been developed to help GP practices strengthen the way they identify, support, and engage with unpaid carers.
The programme provides a structured framework that enables surgeries to assess current practice, identify opportunities for improvement, and demonstrate their commitment to supporting carers within primary care.
Delivered in partnership with North Staffs Carers, the programme helps practices become more carer-aware, carer-friendly, and responsive to the needs of unpaid carers.
The programme is a collaborative process led by our dedicated GP Carer Liaison Workers.
Working alongside practice teams, we undertake a carer-friendly audit based on agreed criteria and recognised good practice standards. The process helps practices:
The programme is designed to be supportive, practical, and achievable for practices of all sizes.
Practices can achieve one of three award levels based on the evidence submitted and the number of criteria achieved.
Recognising outstanding commitment to identifying, supporting, and engaging unpaid carers throughout the practice.
Recognising strong evidence of carer awareness and a proactive approach to supporting carers.
Recognising practices that have established the foundations of a carer-friendly approach and are committed to continuous improvement.
Points are awarded for actions and initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to supporting carers.
Examples include:
Throughout the programme, our GP Carer Liaison Workers provide guidance and support to help practices achieve the highest standards possible. Support includes:
We work in partnership with practices to make the process straightforward and beneficial for both staff and patients.
Successful practices receive an official GP Carer Awards Programme certificate recognising their achievement. Awarded practices can:
The programme also provides valuable evidence that may support Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessments and wider quality improvement initiatives.
Participation in the GP Carer Awards Programme can help practices:
Most importantly, it helps ensure carers receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Whether your practice is just beginning its carer awareness journey or already has strong systems in place, the GP Carer Awards Programme provides a clear pathway to recognising and celebrating good practice.
Together, we can improve outcomes for carers, patients, and primary care services across North Staffordshire.
Join GP practices across North Staffordshire that are committed to identifying, supporting, and recognising unpaid carers.
