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Human Resources

Parents and Carers Hub

Welcome to the Staff Parent and Carers Hub

Welcome to the staff Parents and Carers Hub at Queen Mary University of London! We are committed to supporting parents and carers who are working alongside their caring responsibilities. We aim to provide a family friendly environment supporting work life balance and recognising the unique challenges and responsibilities faced by staff members who are parents and/or carers. The hub is designed to provide you with resources, support, and information to help you effectively balance your professional and family roles.

Supporting Work-Life Balance

Discover options and resources to support your work-life balance as a staff member and parent and/or carer. Explore flexible working options, family-friendly policies, and tips on managing competing demands.

https://hr.qmul.ac.uk/procedures/leave/special-leave/

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/human-resources/procedures/flexible-working/

https://hr.qmul.ac.uk/procedures/leave/maternity/

Types of Leave

Understand your rights and entitlement regarding parental leave, carers leave and other related types of leave as a staff member.

The University has a Code of Practice [PDF 177KB]which includes information for managers about a range of provisions:

  • Ante-natal leave
  • Adoption leave and pay
  • Maternity and other leave
  • Paternity leave
  • Annual leave
  • Unpaid parental leave

Our Special Leave Policy and Procedure provides additional support to employees at extraordinary times, both for their own welfare and for the welfare and wellbeing of others.

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

Work-Related Support for Parents and Carers

Explore resources and initiatives specifically designed to support staff members who are parents and/or carers. Discover networking opportunities to enhance your professional development while balancing your family responsibilities. The Carer’s Career Development Fund (CCDF) is a scheme designed to help parents/guardians and carers with the additional care costs incurred as a result of attending conferences or other important development and networking events, which fall outside of their normal working hours. https://www.qmul.ac.uk/research/research-culture/funding-schemes/carers-career-development-fund/

Wellbeing and Self Care

Discover internal and external resources and support for maintaining your wellbeing as a staff member and parent and/or carer. Access information on mental health resources, self-care tips, and work-life integration strategies to support your overall wellness.

How to Deal with Stress and Burnout as a Carer  

Physical wellbeing

Mental wellbeing

Financial wellbeing

Wellbeing Essentials Toolkit

Free morning, lunchtime and evening mediation with Inner Space

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions related to work-life balance, parental leave, childcare, and other relevant topics. Access useful information to address your specific queries as a staff member and parents and/or carers.

QMUL recognises the importance of work-life balance and offers various initiatives to support its staff. These include flexible working arrangements, such as part-time or remote work options, as well as access to counseling services and employee assistance programme.

QMUL provides generous parental leave policies to support employees during significant life events. This includes maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, ensuring that employees can take the time they need to care for and bond with their new addition to the family.

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/human-resources/procedures/leave/maternity/

 

No, the government has launched a tax-free scheme to assist with childcare costs. Further details and an application form can be accessed in the government's Get Tax-Free Childcare page.



Yes, QMUL is committed to promoting employee well-being. We offer wellness programmes, such as yoga classes, mindfulness sessions, and health screenings, as well as access to sports facilities and recreational activities to help employees prioritise their health and wellness.

https://hr.qmul.ac.uk/occupational-health/ 

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/staff-wellbeing/physical-wellbeing/

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/staff-wellbeing/mental-wellbeing/

QMUL understands the challenges faced by employees who are caregivers for elderly or disabled family members. We provide resources and information on caregiving support services, as well as flexible working arrangements and compassionate leave options to accommodate their caregiving responsibilities.

https://hr.qmul.ac.uk/procedures/leave/special-leave/

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/human-resources/procedures/leave/ 

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/human-resources/procedures/flexible-working/

 

 

Employees can access support and resources for managing work-life balance challenges through QMUL's HR department, employee assistance programs, and dedicated support services. Additionally, our intranet platform provides information on available resources, policies, and initiatives aimed at promoting work-life balance and employee well-being.

Wellbeing Essentials Toolkit

  • Feeding and Expressing Milk spaces - the Feeding and Expressing Milk Statement includes information on designated areas for feeding and expressing milk on our campus.
  • Workplace Options - a free, confidential service that provides a wide range of support for staff around help balancing work, family, and personal life. 
  • Occupational Health - Occupational Health is a distinct branch of preventative health care, which works to promote health in the workplace and forms part of the overall health and safety management system.
  • St Benet’s Chaplaincy - St Benet's is a Christian chapel and meeting place open to all students and staff at Queen Mary University of London whatever your beliefs. They offer non-n religious meditation for relaxation, bereavement support and creative arts workshops. The chaplain, Ella Sharples, is available to talk with, for help and advice, to share your experiences and offer a listening ear. 

Types of leave

Information on the right to take time off for dependents, unpaid parental leave, and parental bereavement leave for parents and carers.

Carers 

Parents

Contact Us

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team. We are here to support you and provide guidance tailored to your needs as a staff member and parent and/or carer.

HR Operations Team: https://hr.qmul.ac.uk/contact/whoswho/teamd/

EDI Team: hr-equality@qmul.ac.uk

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