EMCCA signs Charter to support terminally ill colleagues

We are proud to announce that we have officially signed the Dying to Work Charter, pledging to uphold best practice in supporting workers facing a terminal diagnosis.

By signing the Charter, the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is committing to protect and support our employees during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

The Charter, developed by the TUC and campaign founder Jacci Woodcock MBE, ensures that terminally ill colleagues are treated with dignity, compassion, and are included in decisions about how they continue to work.

The Dying to Work campaign highlights the crucial steps employers can take to provide reassurance and stability to terminally ill employees, including safeguarding job security and offering tailored support. With the commitment of Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward and Amy Harhoff, EMCCA Chief Executive, we are strengthening our reputation as an organisation that puts the wellbeing of its workforce first.

Speaking on the signing, Mayor Claire, said: “No one should have to worry about their job security while dealing with a terminal illness. By signing the Dying to Work Charter, we are making a clear commitment to treat our colleagues with the respect, empathy, and support they deserve. This is about doing what’s right—and giving people peace of mind when they need it most.”

TUC Midlands Regional Secretary, Stuart Richards, said: “Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis. I’m delighted that EMCCA has shown real leadership in this area, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for terminally ill workers. We now have over 2 million workers covered by the Dying to Work charter across the country. We hope that other employers across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire will follow in EMCCA’s footsteps, sign up to the Charter and provide peace of mind to their employees.”

The Charter signing is part of a growing movement across the UK to create more compassionate and supportive workplaces. It also complements wider efforts to improve employment rights and ensure that all workers, no matter their circumstances, are treated fairly.

Mayor Claire and our Chief Executive Amy Harhoff put their signatures alongside trade union representatives today (14 August) at our offices in Chesterfield. They were joined by Lesley Waudby from GMB, Shaun Lee from Unite, Rachel Perry-Doyle from Unison and Stuart Richard from the TUC.

This marks a significant step forward for EMCCA supporting and protecting our colleagues.