Adoption UK Joins as Advocacy Partner for Family Inclusive Workplaces Certification

Overview -

We are proud to announce that Adoption UK is now an Advocacy Partner for the newly launched Family Inclusive Workplaces Certification; a pioneering programme that sets a new global standard for truly family-friendly employment practices.

Developed by Family Friendly Workplaces™ and delivered in the UK in partnership with national charity Working Families, this certification offers a robust, evidence-based framework for employers to assess, improve and embed family-inclusive policies in their organisations.

Why it matters to Adoption UK -

As an organisation committed to the wellbeing and success of the adoption community, we know all too well the unique pressures that adoptive parents and adoptees face. That’s why our involvement as an Advocacy Partner is so important.

"We are delighted to be an Advocacy Partner for the Family Inclusive Workplaces Certification. Recognising the unique challenges faced by working parents and carers of children who have had a difficult start in life is essential to shaping holistic, meaningful workplace policies and support.

This accreditation will empower businesses to take a thoughtful approach in helping staff balance their professional and family lives, promoting a diverse, inclusive, and committed workforce. We welcome the opportunity to share insights with Working Families and organisations on the needs of the adoption community, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide the right support."

About the Certification -

The Family Inclusive Workplaces Certification is based on Global Work + Family Standards and has already seen success in Australia, supporting over 650 organisations. The UK rollout, led by Working Families, aims to tackle urgent issues like in-work child poverty and the post-pandemic pressures on family life by promoting flexible working, parental leave, and inclusive culture.

Why This Matters for Adoptive Families -

For adoptive parents, balancing the demands of work with the complexities of parenting children who may have experienced trauma or instability can be particularly challenging. Standard workplace policies often fall short in supporting the nuanced needs of these families. This certification offers a pathway for employers to evaluate and improve how they are:

Implementing flexible working arrangements that allow for essential therapeutic or school-related appointments.

Providing parental leave that recognises the significance of bonding and attachment for adoptive families.

Creating a supportive work culture that values diversity in family structures and caring experiences.

A Win for Employers and Families -

This initiative isn’t just good for families, it’s good for business. Research shows that family-friendly workplaces see higher employee engagement, reduced turnover, and improved productivity. Companies like Deloitte and TLT LLP are already on board as founding partners, showcasing their commitment to being employers of choice in an increasingly competitive talent market.

Find out employers can access more support from Adoption UK -

We encourage employers across the UK to explore the Family Inclusive Workplaces Certification and consider how they can better support staff who are also parents, carers, and family members.

To learn how Adoption UK can support your organisation on this journey, visit our Employers’ Support Hub. The hub offers a range of resources, including factsheets, guidance, and details of our bespoke services, to help employers build truly inclusive workplaces that understand and respond to the needs of adoptive families and carers.