Meet the Centrica Carers: Three Stories of Support, Strength and Workplace Change

Across the UK, thousands of employees balance work with the often-unseen demands of unpaid caring. In light of this, we sat down with three of our Centrica colleagues - Marie McCann, Stephen Scott and Steve Hession - as they share their unique stories and highlight how the right support for carers can transform not only their own lives, but the culture of an entire organisation.

Building a Culture That Supports Carers from Day One

For Uddingston-based Team Leader Marie McCann, balancing a career with caring for her 18-year-old son Jamie - who has epilepsy, autism and learning disabilities - has been a journey shaped by both challenge and advocacy. With more than 24 years at Centrica, Marie has experienced first-hand how workplace support can make the difference between staying in employment and stepping away.

Early in her caring journey, Marie learned about Centrica’s Carers Leave, which meant she no longer had to use her annual leave for medical appointments or emergencies. This early support became the foundation for a deeper commitment: in 2014, Marie joined the Carers Network, and today she proudly serves as its Co-Chair, supporting more than 3,000 members. “The Carers Network gave me a sense of community when I really needed it. Now I get to give that back,” says Marie.

But Marie’s advocacy extends beyond Centrica. She collaborates with Carers UK, Carers Scotland and even Parliament to champion carers’ rights, helping shape a model of support built on flexibility, understanding and community.

“Why should anyone have to choose between working and caring?” she reflects. “At Centrica, you don’t have to. We support everyone – from day one. Since 2019, we’ve held the highest accreditation from Carers UK, and that’s something we’re really proud of. The Carers Passport, flexible working, mental health support – it all adds up to a culture that values people.”

Finding Flexibility at the Toughest Time

For Stephen Scott, also based in Uddingston, caring responsibilities arrived suddenly and intensely. When both of his parents were diagnosed with cancer around the same time, he feared he might have to step away from his 20-year career with Centrica.

It was Marie who first guided Stephen toward the Carers Leave policy and the Carers Network. By completing his Carers Passport, Stephen gained access to flexible shifts and the reassurance of knowing that his caring responsibilities were formally understood and respected by his manager.

“Having everything on paper took away the mental burden,” he explains. “It meant I didn’t have to worry if I’d be able to support my parents—it was already acknowledged.”

Stephen now encourages his own team to come forward for support, noting that several colleagues who once considered leaving have remained thanks to the policy.

“In my team alone, three out of 14 people are now registered carers. And some were thinking of leaving before they knew about the support. Now they feel like they can stay. Centrica just gets it,” he says. “The flexibility and understanding give you space to do what you need to do—and that’s everything.”

Speaking Up So Others Don’t Struggle Alone

In Blackburn, Steve Hession has spent over 13 years building his career with Centrica, progressing from a Manchester call centre into a role as a Propositions Manager. But at home, he has faced profound personal challenges: caring for his daughter, Isla, who has a rare chromosome disorder and autism, while supporting his wife through cancer treatment.

With hospital appointments piling up and work responsibilities increasing, Steve found himself overwhelmed—until an honest conversation with his manager opened the door to Centrica’s Carers Policy. Accessing paid carers leave, flexible working and the Carers Passport gave him breathing room and the ability to balance both work and family without burning out.

“The Carers Passport gave me freedom,” Steve says. “I didn’t have to keep explaining myself. It was understood—and respected.”

Today, Steve is an active member of the Carers Network, sharing his experience so others feel seen, supported and empowered to speak up.

“There’s power in just being heard,” he says. “I share my story because I want other carers to know they’re not alone. You don’t need to hide your situation or burn yourself out. The support is there, and it works.”

Support Makes the Difference

Though every carer story is unique, Marie, Stephen and Steve are united by a common theme of support and as a business, we’re confident that the tools and resources we provide now for our carers are better than ever before. Here are a few of the ways that we’re supporting our colleagues that care: 

- Flexible first working, giving colleagues the opportunity to optimise their work-life balance

- Paid carers leave: offering additional paid leave to carers

- Carers passport: linked to a colleague’s profile to inform managers about their personal situation so appropriate support can be provided

- Carers flag: identifying and supporting carers in our customer database

- Emotional support: available 24/7 via our MyCare service

- Supportive employee network; including a dedicated Microsoft Teams group

- Proactive wellbeing tools and webinars: Company funded Healthcare plan, wellbeing app, lifestyle benefits and educational articles and events.

Together, these initiatives highlight how practical support, open communication and compassionate leadership create a workplace where carers don’t have to choose between their job and their loved ones.