What is the Investors in Carers scheme?
‘Investors in Carers’ is an award-winning scheme unique to Hywel Dda Health Board and Wales that encourages all GP practices and other ‘settings’ across the three Counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire to adopt and promote best practice in identifying and supporting Unpaid Carers of all ages.
It is a quality assurance scheme which has themed standards, an auditing process, certification process, and rewards – which recognise best practice. It has been designed for use across a generic range of ‘settings’ (i.e. GP practices, libraries etc.) and requires the compilation of an evidence folder.
The scheme covers Carers of all ages and situations;
- Young Carers under the age of 18,
- Young Adult Carers from 18 – 25,
- Parent Carers who care for a child with a disability or mental health issue,
- Sibling Carers,
- Older people caring for each other etc.
The IiC scheme is a tool designed to help health, social care, Third sector, and other organisations to focus on, and improve, their ‘Carer Awareness’ – along with the help and support they give to Carers.
The scheme has six themed standards which progresses with each level of Bronze, Silver and Gold:
Gold Level
The setting has demonstrated an advanced understanding of carers issues, has adopted a cultural change, developed a lateral approach to carer support, and can demonstrate outcomes.
Silver Level
The setting has demonstrated an active commitment pf the IiC scheme, has developed a proactive approach to supporting carers and. where appropriate is able to demonstrate outcomes.
Bronze Level
The setting has demonstrated an awareness of carers issues and is able to identify, support and signpost them.
Every setting is expected to develop a ‘Carers Impact Statement’ that clearly defines their intent, in terms of what they do to support Carers. This should also include an outline of the demographics of the setting. A template and examples have been provided to assist the setting. This should be signed by the manager of the setting and reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it remains fit for purpose.
Settings need to gather evidence against each of the themed standards in a portfolio which in turn will then be assessed. If successful, the setting with be awarded the relevant certificate for display, which will last two years before the level will need to be revalidated.
The Investors in Carers scheme is only available in the Hywel Dda West Wales region and is delivered in partnership under the West Wales Carers development group and the West Wales Carers Strategy.
For further details of the scheme and how to participate please contact:
Pennie Muir, Regional Project Support Manager – Carers: pennie.muir@wales.nhs.uk
Debbie Bence, Development Officer: debbie.bence@ctcww.org.uk
Abby White, Administrative Support: abby.white@ctcww.org.uk