Family Leave Resources
Family Leave Resources: Pre, during and post family leave
In May 2023 the Parent and Family Network ran a survey capturing return to work experiences of staff in the last five years (since 2018). It included individuals who had been on extended family leave (maternity leave, adoption leave, shared parental leave) or shorter family leave(childbirth/adoption support leave), since 2018. The aim of the survey was to understand experience of return to work and how individuals can be better supported with the transition back to the workplace. For more details of the key findings see the summary of the survey results. In response to feedback from this survey we are developing some family leave resources which we will be developing over the next few months or so
Flexible Working
Please see below for a video on flexible working, what is flexible working, how might you use, considerations and how to apply. The lived experience discussed in the video is from an academic perspective but many of the considerations also apply to those in professional services and other roles.
Breastfeeding and the Workplace
As part of a research study on Infant Feeding and Return to Work taking place at the University of Reading we have put together some information for line managers on supporting breastfeeding employees.
Some information about the breastfeeding facilities available on campus can be found on our Breastfeeding at Work page and more guidance for employees on breastfeeding and work will be added to this page in due course .
Line Manager Guidance
Line managers can found out more general information on supporting individuals going on family leave on the human resources family leave pages. In response to feedback in our return to work survey and at a leadership group event we presented at, we are hosting a parental awareness webinar on Tuesday 30th April 1-2pm being lead by Returning Works. You can find out more about the event in our flyer and you can register for the event through our registration link. The event will help participants understand the lived experience of returners from family leave and how you can be an ally, to help returners overcome any challenges or barriers to participation, so that we are able to create a culture where parents want to return and can continue their career development. A recording of the webinar will be uploaded here after the event.
Risk Assessments
Stemming from the findings of our return to work survey we are doing some work around risk assessments for new and expectant mothers. There were some concerns raised in our return to work survey and we want to understand the lived experiences of both those who have undergone a risk assessment and those who have undertaken (or might be expected to) risk assessments for new and expectant mothers. This will help understand how the process can be improved, if needed, and how those undertaking risk assessments can be better supported. We will be hosting online focus groups (via MS Teams) on Thursday April 25th as follows:
12pm-1pm: Focus group 1: for those who have lived experience of risk assessments
1pm-2pm: Focus group 2: for those with line manager responsibilities and others supporting risk assessments
If you would be willing to take part in a focus group please register your interest on this form.
We will be developing further resources in due course but you can read about keep in touch days and return to work funding on our Returning from Leave Page