Single-Parent-Friendly Employer scheme

Champion single parents in your workplace, become a single-parent-friendly employer

Gingerbread’s Single-Parent-Friendly Employer scheme helps organisations take practical, meaningful steps to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces for single parents.

By joining the scheme, your organisation can review existing practices, challenge workplace barriers and build a culture that better recognises and supports single parent employees.

Join a growing movement of employers creating better workplaces for single parents.

Why it matters

Single parents can face significant barriers to finding, securing and progressing in employment, including:

Inflexible working arrangements that don’t accommodate caring responsibilities.
The high cost and limited availability of childcare.
Insecure employment, underemployment and limited opportunities for progression.
Stigma, bias and a lack of understanding of single parent families.

Creating a more inclusive workplace can make a meaningful difference to single parent employees while benefiting your wider organisation.

By becoming a Single-Parent-Friendly Employer, you can:

Attract and retain talented employees.
Strengthen your equality, diversity and inclusion commitments.
Improve employee wellbeing, engagement and retention.
Demonstrate your commitment to supporting single parents and their families.

How it works

Our scheme provides a practical framework to help your organisation review its current approach and identify opportunities for improvement.

Through our Single-Parent-Friendly Employers toolkit, you’ll be supported to:

Review existing workplace policies, practices and culture.
Identify practical steps to better recognise and support single parent employees.
Develop an action plan to make meaningful improvements.
Work towards recognition as a Single-Parent-Friendly Employer.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to build on existing good practice, the scheme offers a flexible approach to making positive changes.

Get started today

Take the next step towards becoming a Single-Parent-Friendly Employer.

Interested in joining the scheme or finding out more? Our team can talk you through the process, provide the toolkit and support your organisation in getting started.

Email partnerships@gingerbread.org.uk to register your interest.

Other ways to support Gingerbread and single parents

Becoming a Single-Parent-Friendly Employer is just one way your organisation can support single parent families. We offer a range of partnership opportunities that can align with your organisation’s goals, ESG commitments and employee engagement priorities.

Other ways to get involved include:

Advocacy and campaigns partnerships.
Charity of the Year partnerships.
Funding partnerships.
Tickets and experiences partnerships.
Space-sharing partnerships.
In-kind support partnerships.
Delivery partnerships, including running your own Gingerbread peer support group.

Interested in working with us? Explore our corporate partnership opportunities to find out more.

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps and timeline for the scheme?

The Single-Parent-Friendly Employer scheme is designed to be flexible, allowing organisations to work towards recognition at their own pace. While timelines may vary depending on your organisation’s existing practices, the process typically follows these key stages:

Welcome email from Gingerbread.
Organisation receives the toolkit.
Early implementation within your organisation – Internal review of policies, culture and practices.
Organisation creates own Action Plan to implement the scheme
Awareness building – build awareness within your organisation across leadership, management and the wider workplace.
Implementation within your organisation by refining or introducing practices.
3-month report filled out by employer.
Single-Parent-Friendly Employer achieved and celebrated if reached criteria.

What are the roles and responsibilities of participating organisations?

Participating organisations are expected to:

Download the toolkit and read thoroughly.
Share the toolkit internally and decide how to implement within your organisation and create your own Action Plan.
Complete the 3-month report.
Provide feedback to help shape the scheme.
Maintain and improve practices.

Is there a cost to participate in the pilot scheme?

There is no cost to be part of the scheme.

What happens if we don’t meet the criteria at the 3-month report point?

This is an opportunity to check-in with your organisation and see how you’re getting along. You will continue working with Gingerbread to identify the gaps and what is needed for your organisation to become a Single-Parent-Friendly Employer.

How long is the Single-Parent-Friendly Employer valid?

After completing the scheme, your organisation must complete and submit a yearly check-in form to ensure they continue to be a Single-Parent-Friendly Employer.

What support will Gingerbread provide during the accreditation process?

Gingerbread will guide you through the accreditation journey with:

Introduction call after initial interest is shown.
A clear toolkit pack outlining requirements, criteria and supporting guidance to participate in the scheme.
Check-in call with Gingerbread staff if requested.
Continued communication and support throughout.

What kind of businesses can sign-up?

Any organisation committed to supporting single parents in the workplace can participate, regardless of size or sector. We welcome SMEs, large corporations, charities, and public sector employers.

Can we use the badge in our recruitment materials?

Yes, once employers reach the required criteria, they will receive a digital badge and certificate that can be used on your website, social media, and recruitment materials to showcase your commitment to supporting single parents.

Does participation require a public commitment?

Public commitment is not mandatory. However, we do encourage participating business to share becoming a Single-Parent-Friendly Employer externally to celebrate the achievement.

How does this scheme align with an employer’s existing EDI commitments?

The Single-Parent-Friendly Employer complements your wider equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy. Supporting single parents helps advance gender equality, socio-economic inclusion, and workforce wellbeing while demonstrating your commitment to family-friendly practices.

Can we involve our staff networks in this process?

Yes, we encourage engaging your staff networks (e.g., parenting, women’s, carers’ groups) in reviewing your policies and practices, gathering feedback, and co-creating improvements as part of your application process.

What are the long-term benefits

The scheme helps:

Improve employee attraction and retention.
Reduce absenteeism and turnover costs.
Boost morale and productivity.
Strengthen your employer brand and CSR profile.
Contribute to a fairer, more inclusive workplace culture.

How does the annual review work?

Each year, we will invite you to:

Submit a short update on any practice changes.
Share insights on progress or challenges.
Reconfirm your commitment.

This process supports your continuous improvement while maintaining your Single-Parent-Friendly Employer .