Shared parental leave

It’s for all colleagues directly employed by the charity. However, you'll need to meet the eligibility criteria to benefit.

• You may be eligible for shared parental leave if you or your partner end maternity or adoption leave or pay early.
• Any remaining leave and pay can then be shared with the other parent.
• You can begin your shared parental leave (SPL) from the first day after your compulsory maternity leave or adoption leave period is over. 
• You must take your SPL within the 52 weeks following the birth or first anniversary of adoption.
• The leave does not have to be taken in one continuous block. You can request up to 3 separate blocks of leave. 
• Parents can request to take the same time off work or take it in turns to look after their child. 

The rules around eligibility and notification are complex. If you are considering shared parental leave check the full policy and get advice from your People Team.

• Colleagues are responsible for complying with the notification and certification requirements within the deadlines set out in this policy.
• Line managers are responsible for discussing and agreeing any period of SPL with their colleague, ensuring any agreed periods of SPL are notified to their People Team.
• People Teams are responsible for advising and guiding colleagues and line managers on this policy, confirming in writing any agreed periods of SPL and making sure that the leave and pay details are correctly recorded and actioned.
• People Strategy & Projects Team is responsible for making sure this policy complies with current statutory obligations; and keeping up to date with any legal changes and updating this policy, and other associated documents or processes, accordingly.