We recently caught up with Lisa Harper-Raze from the HR team at SEQENS Customs Specialties to learn more about how the organisation supports employees who are juggling work alongside caring responsibilities. As more people balance paid employment with unpaid care, Lisa shared how SEQENS is working to create a carer-friendly workplace that recognises, supports, and values working carers.
About SEQENS
SEQENS Customs Specialties is a leading chemical manufacturer based on Teesside and forms part of the wider SEQENS Group, headquartered in France. In the UK, the company operates across two sites in Middlesbrough and Billingham and employs approximately 190 people. The core business activities are toll manufacturing, specialty chemicals, and solvent recovery, serving a broad range of industrial sectors.
A Commitment to Supporting Working Carers
Recognising the diverse needs of its workforce SEQENS has implemented a comprehensive suite of policies designed to support employees with caring responsibilities. These include Carer’s Leave, Dependent Care Leave, Flexible Working, Neonatal Care Leave, and Parental Leave.
All employees have access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), offering confidential advice on benefits, specialist support services, equipment, and respite care.
Making Support Accessible and Visible
To ensure transparency and easy access to information, all HR policies are available on the company’s HR SharePoint platform, allowing employees to quickly find and understand the support available to them.
SEQENS has also demonstrated an ongoing commitment to awareness raising, sharing communications during Carers Week in recent years, and signposting staff to external organisations that support carers. The introduction of the Carer’s Leave policy was also proactively communicated to ensure employees were fully informed.
Identifying and Responding to Carers’ Needs
Employees are encouraged to self identify as carers, enabling HR and managers to work collaboratively with them to tailor appropriate support. This includes guidance on which policies may best help individuals balance work and caring responsibilities.
As part of its continued improvement, SEQENS is currently exploring the introduction of a Carer’s Passport, which has the potential to provide a consistent and structured approach to identifying carers’ needs and supporting them effectively.
Impact in Practice
The positive impact of these efforts is clear. Recently, an employee took Carer’s Leave to support his wife following cuts to the NHS services. He shared how reassured he felt by the company's understanding, and that having clear support in place allowed him to focus on caring for his wife and spending important time with her.
SEQENS is committed to fostering a compassionate and supportive working environment, ensuring employees feel valued and empowered when navigating complex personal circumstances.
Advice for Other Employers
Lisa Harper-Raze says:
“We would advise other employers looking to be more carer-friendly to have clear policies that the employee can access and to actively promote what help and support is available to its employees. We would also advise that managers should be equipped and confident to deal with sensitive discussions with employees.”
Learn more about creating a carer-friendly workplace here.
