Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity and leader of global remembrance campaign, Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October), is committed to supporting employers to deliver high quality care and support in their workplace following a colleagues’ bereavement, through their sector-leading Bereavement in the Workplace training programme. 

Sadly, in the UK, pregnancy and baby loss is not rare. A recent YouGov survey, commissioned by the Baby Loss Awareness Week alliance, has found that half of UK adults (50%) said that they, or someone they know, had experienced one form of pregnancy or baby loss. 

Sands’ Head of Education and Training Clare Worgan said: “We know that pregnancy and baby loss is something that impacts a huge number of people across the UK. We also know that when a bereaved parent returns to work, having a supportive workplace can make such a difference to their wellbeing.” 

“Since the start of the year, over 38,000 employees have been trained to help bring better wellbeing and bereavement support to their workplace. Our training is designed for all, and the programme covers key areas including legal rights and obligations, using sensitive and appropriate language, guidance on policies and best practice, and awareness of cultural competencies. This training is particularly relevant to those who are not bereaved but may be impacted by a colleague who has experienced pregnancy or baby loss.” 

Sands also released the results of their largest ever survey of bereaved parents for Baby Loss Awareness Week where more than 1,600 people responded. Whilst it found that almost half (48%) of people who were bereaved in the past three years felt supported in the workplace upon returning to work, more than half aren’t getting the support they need, and many remain uncertain as to whether their employer has a baby loss policy.

Many organisations have shared that getting it right can sometimes be challenging, but it’s clear that it has never been so important. Sands recognise that it’s vital for everyone to have access to training, support materials and bereavement resources and are delighted to now be able to offer training to both small and medium-sized organisations (up to 249 staff) free of charge, thanks to funding from the Department of Health and Social Care. Pricing for larger organisations can be discussed upon registration.  

Register for your company to take part in Bereavement in the Workplace training. 

Find out more about Bereavement in the Workplace training or register to join Sands’ free taster session on Thursday 2 November between 11am-12pm. 

Reference: 

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2121 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 14th – 15th August 2023. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). 

Bereaved_Parents_Experience_of_Care_Report_2023_digital.pdf (sands.org.uk) 

theHRDIRECTOR chosen charity, 25% of all Subscriptions fees, in both print and digital, will go to Sands.

Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth, whenever this happened and for as long as they need support..