Support for line managers

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About these resources

As a line manager you’re likely to know quite a lot about your staff’s personal lives.

A good working relationship can sometimes develop into friendship. Even if you do not see your colleagues away from the workplace, you may share details of what is going on in your lives.

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Compassionate Bereavement Conversations E-Learning

Discover the skills to navigate bereavement conversations in 30 minutes! Explore six key principles through real-life stories in this insightful conversation practice.

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When managing life-limiting or terminal illness, death and bereavement in the workplace, it is important that staff feel comfortable to share with their line manager

Sharing sensitive matters

When it comes to managing life-limiting or terminal illness, death and bereavement in the workplace, the more staff that are comfortable to share with their line manager, the easier it is to handle these sensitive matters well.

However, it is important to remember that people do not have to share this sort of personal information unless they want to.

Line manager support resources

This hub provides guidance, downloadable resources and useful links to places where you can find more detailed information or help if you want it.

There are companion sections for human resources teams and for employees too.

Some things you will want to consider and be aware of as you support your bereaved team member

Step by step: supporting a bereaved employee

This section gives an idea of some things you will want to consider and be aware of as you support your bereaved team member.
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Find resources to help you understand carers rights, what to say, carers assessments, flexible working and financial support

Supporting carers

Find resources to help you understand carers rights, what to say, carers assessments, flexible working and financial support.
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Advice on how to have difficult conversations, learning about an employee’s diagnosis, making practical and financial arrangements, and what to do if a team member dies

Supporting someone with a life-limiting or terminal illness

Advice on how to have difficult conversations, learning about an employee’s diagnosis, making practical and financial arrangements, and what to do if a team member dies.
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Cultural Sensitivity in Bereavement

Understanding different cultural practices, beliefs, and rituals around death and mourning.
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Understanding the New Carer's Leave Act

Helpful information explaining the Carer's Leave Act regulations coming into law April 6 2024
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On Tuesday 6th December 2022, Compassionate Employers hosted a Bereavement at Work Experts Panel to mark National Grief Awareness Week

Webinars

Register for upcoming webinars or watch recorded events.
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On this page you’ll find guidance for line managers on how to understand grief, practicalities of death, and next steps.

Understanding grief and grief theory

On this page you’ll find guidance for line managers on how to understand grief, practicalities of death, and next steps.

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Find information on how to approach supporting bereaved employees, including bereavement leave, what to say, returning to work, and common responses to grief

What to say to a bereaved employee

How to approach talking to a bereaved member of staff, including things you can say, and tips for conversations.

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