TCF believes that employers who have shown extra care and compassion to employees - going above and beyond the normal policies of most companies in helping employees who have suffered the death of a loved one - deserve to be recognised. Whether the organisation you worked for is small, medium or large, we encourage you to consider nominating them.

Over the years we have heard stories from people of how they were treated by their employer after the death of a loved one. Some stories have clearly shown that there are employers out there with high levels of compassion, care, empathy and generosity.

We invite you to nominate your employer for recognition as a 2010 "Compassionate Employer".
Nominations for the 2010 Compassionate Employer Recognition are now open.

To nominate your employer please follow the steps below:

Step 1 Please read the criteria below.
Step 2 Write your personal story in 400 words or less describing ways in which your company met the specific criteria
Step 3 Complete the Nomination Form (on other side)
Step 4 Attach your 400 words to the nomination form.
Step 5 Send in your Nomination to:
"Compassionate Employer Recognition Program Australia"
The Compassionate Friends Vic Inc.
Bereaved Parent & Sibling Information Centre
PO Box 171
CANTERBURY Vic 3126
Or email to:
fionah@compassionatefriendsvictoria.org.au
Nominations must be received by close of business on Friday 4 December 2009 via email or post.

Criteria for Compassionate Employer Recognition might include:

1. Employer who has personally supported you in your bereavement
2. Employer who arranged for additional time off, beyond the familiar three days bereavement leave
3. Employer who provided support services and/or time off eg to obtain counselling or seek a support group
A caring attitude and ability to empathise demonstrated by employer's entire workforce
4. Employer who showed flexibility in work assignments and evaluation of job performance during the stress and personal pain associated with the death of a loved one
5. Other acts of compassion that you will remember forever

These criteria serve as suggested guidelines, and are not considered as all-inclusive. Nominations are only accepted for acts of compassion by employers within Australia, and do not include companies, organisations or government agencies specifically created to help the bereaved.

Please direct your queries to Fiona Heylan, fionah@compassionatefriendsvictoria.org.auor (03) 9888 4034.

The Compassionate Employer Recognition Award ceremony was held today, Tuesday, 24 March at Leonda by the Yarra.

Minister for Industry & Trade, Mr Martin Pakula spoke at the awards on the day.

[Details Of 2009 Winners]

Each employer was presented with a Compassionate Employer Recognition Award on Tuesday, 26 February 2008 at the National Gallery Victoria, Garden Restaurant.

[Details Of 2008 Winners]

Each employer was presented with a Compassionate Employer Recognition Award on Tuesday, 20 March 2007 at the Port Melbourne Yacht Club.

[Details Of 2007 Winners]

Twenty two employers leading the way in workplace practices were recognised for showing extraordinary compassion to their employees who had experienced the death of a loved one.

Each employer was presented with a Compassionate Employer Recognition Award on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at the Port Melbourne Yacht Club.

[Details Of 2006 Winners]

Among the treetops of Victoria’s museum, 23 employers were today awarded for the compassion they have shown to employees who have lost a loved one. The awards were presented by Rhonda Galbally AO, on behalf of The Compassionate Friends Victoria – a support group for bereaved parents and siblings.

[Details Of 2005 Winners]

Twelve Victorian employers in Australia were recognised for compassion to their employees after the death of a loved one.

The inaugural Australian Compassionate Employer Recognition Awards, auspiced by The Compassionate Friends Victoria Inc. and Rotary Club of Geelong Central were presented at the Melbourne Zoo Butterfly House on Tuesday 9th March 2004.

[Details Of 2004 Winners]

Among the treetops of Victoria’s museum, 23 employers were today awarded for the compassion they have shown to employees who have lost a loved one. The awards were presented by Rhonda Galbally AO, on behalf of The Compassionate Friends Victoria – a support group for bereaved parents and siblings.

[TCF Compassionate Employers Award Media Kit]