This yeas Carers Week, Standard Life marked the two-year anniversary of Caring for Carers.

Caring for Carers aims to help unpaid carers stay in or return to work, build financial confidence and access practical support. The initiative was set up for Standard Life colleagues, customers, and communities outside of the business, who often face challenges balancing their caring commitments with work.

Since its launch in 2024, Standard Life has supported 65,196 carers directly, with over 2.3 million supported indirectly. Alongside this, it has donated £1.1 million for carers charity partners. 

Colleagues have played an important role, aligning their volunteering and fundraising activity to support these partners. Awareness within the business has also grown significantly, with a 56% increase in colleagues self-identifying as carers since 2023.

Driving change beyond the business

Standard Life launched an employability pilot with Carers Trust at the Camden Carers Centre in April 2025, aimed at boosting employment opportunities and skills through one-to-one support, coaching and group training. So far, the programme has directly supported 81 unpaid carers.

Standard Life also partnered with Carers UK to deliver the first UK-wide Power of Attorney, raising awareness of Power of Attorney as part of financial planning for carers and their families and driving change at a national level.

These initiatives are supporting carers to overcome barriers to work and build their confidence and financial security.

Claire Hawkins, Director of Corporate Affairs and Brand at Standard Life, and executive sponsor of Standard Life’s Carers Network said:

“Over the past two years, Caring for Carers has helped thousands of unpaid carers access support and navigate the challenges of balancing work and caring responsibilities. I’m proud of Standard Life’s strong partnerships with leading carers charities and the meaningful change we’re helping to drive.

“Too many carers continue to face barriers to staying in fulfilling, paid employment, with long-term consequences for their financial security.

“Our research shows that nearly half of carers aged 60-65 have no private pension savings, and a similar proportion of working carers are considering leaving employment or reducing their hours. It’s critical that we support more carers to stay in work and continue to earn and save.

“Standard Life is committed to helping carers to build financial security through our range of initiatives, such as offering 10 days’ paid carers leave and flexible work policies. We will continue to work with our charity partners to expand support for unpaid carers across the country.”