Arthur Rank Hospice Charity celebrates ‘Gold’ as a Compassionate Employer

7 November 2025

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Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is proud to announce it has been awarded the Gold Award for Compassionate Employers by Hospice UK, recognising its outstanding commitment to supporting employees who are dealing with grief (both in the workplace and personally), caregiving duties or terminal illness.

The Charity has worked closely with Hospice UK, to develop their policies around compassionate leadership and is one of only three Hospices nationally, to receive the Gold Award this time.

Earlier this year, they completed a self-assessment and met with Hospice UK representatives. As part of the programme the Charity made a number of improvements which included; improved compassionate leave (by creating standalone bereavement and carers policies with increased paid leave) and provided webinars and e-learning in how to have compassionate conversations, how to deal with workplace grief and on compassionate leadership. In addition, they provided guidance to support a colleague with a life limiting illness and provided additional support through their Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and via colleagues who were trained as Mental Health First Aiders.

In the report Hospice UK said:

“It’s been fantastic to see both new policies being introduced and existing ones getting a thoughtful refresh. One of the real highlights is the dedicated paid bereavement leave, which isn’t limited to immediate family members. It’s a powerful recognition of how grief can show up in different ways for different people”.

CEO, Sharon Allen OBE, at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, received the award and said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to have been recognised with a Gold Compassionate Employer Award. We know only too well the realities of unexpected health news and the struggles that people can face whilst dealing with these life challenges. We want our colleagues to feel fully supported during difficult times. People are our focus and we empower and support our workforce to live by our values. This starts with compassion and empathy and the award celebrates our commitment and we couldn’t be prouder.”

If you are interested in working for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, please visit arhc.org.uk for vacancies to find the perfect role for you.