Life rarely unfolds as expected, and in those moments when plans take an unexpected turn, the need for support becomes all the more vital. Natalie Tugwell, part of our Laser team, came to CSG CE, Matt Johnson after her personal experiences of premature birth to raise awareness of the challenges it creates for working parents. She asked if CSG would sign up to a Charter to improve the support available to parents in this situation. His answer was immediately yes but it has required the harmonising of policies across the group for CSG to be able to announce that it has now been awarded Employer with a Heart Charter by the Smallest Things Charity. This means that going forward all employees (parents) within CSG who suffer the trauma of pre-term birth will be supported with an enhanced policy whilst their baby is in the NICU unit and further support once they return to work.

Of the Charter Natalie said, “After my personal experience of a premature birth I was determined to raise awareness and for something positive to come from it. Asking CSG to sign up to the Charter was one way and I am incredibly proud that all CSG employees will be able to access the same support.

CSG also gives staff a volunteering day which I have used to make a bigger impact by becoming an ambassador for The Smallest Things Charity. I have supported two schools in Kent, soon to be three, and speak about Premature Awareness in Education in to order to improve the support available to children born pre-term. Most recently I was invited to meet with Harriet Whately (MP for Faversham and Mid-Kent) at the School of Science and Technology (SST).”

Matt Johnson, CSG CE said, “This Charter is very important to CSG as it recognises that being the parent of a pre-term baby is incredibly emotional and challenging – not just at the birth but ongoing. This is one way that we can help working parents at CSG by being flexible in our ways of working and supporting the wellbeing of staff who may experience long term effects from a premature birth.”

CSG joins 81 companies that are already signed up and we would like to encourage more: https://www.thesmallestthings.org/employer-with-heart-hall-of-fame

For more information on the Charter and how you can support please visit: www.thesmallestthings.org

Photo: Mr Ryan Royston (Head of SST), Harriet Whately (MP), Jess Vincent (former teacher of SST), Natalie Tugwell – representing The Smallest Things.