Take advantage of free age-friendly support for employers in Malvern Hills and Wychavon

Help is available for up to 40 employers as part of the district councils' Upskilling Project, which has been given £283,000 from the Government's UK Community Renewal Fund.

Helen Astill, director of award-winning consultancy Cherington HR, is providing focused, one-to-one support for businesses looking to introduce age-friendly working practices.

Employers can benefit greatly from the skills and experience of older workers, many of whom are looking to balance caring responsibilities, personal health circumstances or make a phased transition to retirement.

Those who take advantage of the support on offer will be given a free resource pack, and access to a comprehensive online resource hub, to help them develop an action plan and start making positive changes in their workplace.

This resource pack includes guidance documents and policy templates covering topics such as diversity, flexible working and retirement.

Businesses will also be offered free one-to-one meetings, either in person or by video conference, depending on their commitments, to provide additional support in implementing age-friendly policies.

Morgan Motors were one of the first employers to receive Helen's support and have encouraged others to do the same.

Sarah Baldwin, the company's HR Manager and Wellbeing Champion, said: "The free support in adopting age-friendly policies has been invaluable in aligning our policies with best practice, and reinforced our on-going commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace."

Cllr Mark Ward, Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism on Wychavon District Council, said: "I know how important it is for employers to recruit and retain older workers, so I would encourage them to take advantage of these free resources while they can."

Cllr Daniel Walton, Executive Board Member for Economic Development and Tourism on Malvern Hills District Council, said: "We're pleased to see the number of employers in Wychavon and Malvern Hills that are taking a proactive approach and looking to do things differently, which this package of support can only help with."

Helen Astill, Director of Cherington HR, said: "Recruiting and retaining older workers is more important than ever before. I'm pleased to be working alongside Malvern Hills and Wychavon to help local businesses adopt their own age-friendly practices."

Employers can book a free place by contacting Helen directly on 0330 175 6204 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Find more information about the Upskilling Project, and the other support on offer, at www.malvernhills.gov.uk/skills or www.wychavon.gov.uk/business.