Paternity and maternity support leave
Policy
This guidance has been designed to act as a point of reference. For further details please refer to the full paternity / maternity support leave policy.
Paternity / maternity support leave is for:
- the partner of the parent who is having a baby
- the partner of the adopter of a child
- the adopter of a child
- the intended parent of a child - if you are having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement
In line with all of the College’s family leave and policies, this policy is inclusive. It applies to staff irrespective of your gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, biological sex or if you are transitioning.
Paternity / maternity support leave will not normally apply to casual workers or agency workers.
To qualify for paternity / maternity support leave
You will need to meet all of the following:
- You and your partner are having a baby, adopting a child or having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement.
- You are taking leave to look after the child or your partner.
- You have or expect to have responsibility for the child's upbringing.
Staff and manager process
Staff
Let your manager know
Let your manager and HR know you're planning on taking paternity / maternity support leave as early as possible.
Complete the application form
Complete the online Paternity/Maternity support/Adoption Pay and Leave Request form on the HR Portal
This needs to be sent to us:
- For a baby's birth - no later than the end of the 15th week before the baby is due or
- For adoption - within seven days of being notified that you have been matched with a child for adoption.
If you are unable to meet the timescales above, please let us know as soon as reasonably practicable.
Confirmation of leave
HR will:
- confirm your entitlement
- advise Payroll and, if applicable, Research Contracts
- add the leave period to your leave record, TeamSeer
Support
Contact the HR Staff Hub for any questions you may have about Paternity / maternity support leave.
Manager
Training
An online training module is available for managers wishing to understand their responsibilities to staff for family leave.
Managing family-related leave online course
Application form
Your member of staff will let you know that they are intending to take this leave and then complete the online Paternity/Maternity support/Adoption Pay and Leave Request form on the HR Portal.
They are required to submit this:
- For a baby's birth - no later than the end of the 15th week before the baby is due or
- For adoption - within seven days of being notified that you have been matched with a child for adoption.
If they are unable to meet the timescales above, they will let you and the Staff Hub know as soon as reasonably practicable.
The Staff Hub will confirm their entitlements, add the leave period to TeamSeer once dates have been confirmed and notify you via email that they have submitted their request.
Flexible working
Your member of staff may request to change their work pattern following support leave, you should consider this positively, accommodating their request where possible. Find out more information about this at Flexible working.
Support
Contact the Staff Hub for any questions you may have about paternity / maternity support leave.