Maternity and Other Family Leave Guidelines

Information about pregnancy during coronavirus can be found in our Pregnancy and Coronavirus FAQs [DOC 49KB] document. 

The University has a Code of Practice [PDF 95KB] which includes information for managers about a range of provisions:

• Ante-natal leave  
• Adoption leave and pay
• Compassionate leave for family and other reasons
• Maternity leave and pay
• Paternity leave
• Unpaid parental leave
• Unpaid time off for dependants

Please note that from 14th February 2022 the Special Leave Policy and Procedure replaces the following family leave included within the Maternity and Other Family Leave Provisions Code of Practice:

• Unpaid Time off for dependants
• Compassionate and other leave for family reasons

All other provisions within this Code of Practice still apply and the Code will be updated shortly to reflect these changes.

In addition the University has produced guides for staff on the following topics:

• Employee Guide to Maternity Leave [PDF 178KB]  
  
• Employee Guide to Adoption Leave [PDF 260KB]  
  
• Employee Guide to Paternity Leave [PDF 114KB]  
• Shared Parental Leave and Pay Guide [PDF 904KB]
• Family Leave Addendum - Research Funded Positions [DOC 67KB] 
• Feeding and Expressing Milk Statement [PDF 474KB]

Shared Parental Leave Guidelines

Please read the documents below for advice and guidance on the new Shared Parental Leave scheme which was introduced in April 2015.  Shared Parental Leave is quite a complex process which involves a number of different elements that interact including maternity leave and pay and leave and pay taken by your partner.  Therefore please speak to a member of the HR team before making any plans or commitments in relation to Shared Parental Leave to ensure you fully understand your entitlement.  

• Shared Parental Leave and Pay - Guide for Employees and Managers [PDF 904KB]

Please see below all of the relevant forms should you wish to submit a request for Shared Parental Leave:

• Form 1 - Notice to end Maternity or Adoption Leave [DOC 69KB]
• Form 2 - Notice of Entitlement and Intention to take Shared Parental Leave [DOC 75KB]
• Form 3 - Notice of a Period of Shared Parental Leave [DOC 71KB]
• Form 4 - Variation to a Period of Shared Parental Leave [DOC 69KB]

Fertility Treatment Guidelines

The University recognises the physical and emotional stresses of undergoing fertility testing and treatment and wishes to support those staff who are going through the process. Our Fertility Treatment Policy is intended to assist eligible staff members in the logistical and emotional aspects of undergoing treatment.

Further details can be found in the guidelines Queen Mary Fertility Guidance [PDF 205KB]. 

If you have any questions about these policies and guidelines, you are advised to contact the HR Adviser for your Faculty.