Share your family leave risk assessment experiences

Colleagues who have been subject to risk assessments around pregnancies, and line managers responsible for undertaking them, are invited to share their experiences at forthcoming focus groups.

Two online focus groups have been arranged by the University’s Parent and Family Network to hear first-hand experiences, in order to improve support for colleagues and their line managers.

The focus groups follow a survey of colleagues who have taken various forms of family leave, carried out by the Network last year. See the results of the survey.

The survey revealed some dissatisfaction with, and confusion around, health and safety risk assessments. Risk assessments are required for all colleagues who are pregnant, returning to work from maternity leave within six months of giving birth, or breastfeeding.

The workshops will take place on Thursday 25 April at the following times:

Sign up for one or both of the workshops using the online registration form.

New support resources

Last year’s survey also revealed that many colleagues are unaware of what support is on offer for family leavers and how they can access information on it.

New support resources are therefore being developed by the Parent and Family Network in response to this feedback. They will be published on the Network’s website, bringing a range of useful information together in one place.

The advice will include advice for new parents or guardians on what they need to do before, during and after family leave, support available to assist with juggling family and work responsibilities, and information for line managers on supporting breastfeeding at work.

The Network has recorded its first video on flexible working requests and hope to build up a bank of resources in the coming months.

HR colleagues have also published some guidance for managers on supporting their colleagues taking family leave.

• See also: Register for webinar on supporting family leave returners