Working Forward Pledge

22 Jun 2018

Improving our workplace for our working parents and parents to be

We are delighted to confirm that the University of Manchester has signed the Working Forward Pledge.

Working Forward is a national campaign working to make organisations the best that they can be for pregnant women and new parents. In signing the Pledge, we commit to taking on-going action to improve our workplace for our working parents and parents to be.  

To support the signing of the Pledge, in recent months we have reviewed and improved our Flexible Working Policy and guidance, introduced a range of new manager guidance and training relating to supporting working parents and applying our family policies, and launched new pregnancy and maternity guidance for both managers and staff.  

To further support our commitment to the Pledge we are also pleased to confirm that during the forthcoming months we will be introducing ‘returning coaching’ and improving our breastfeeding facilities.  Returner coaching is dedicated coaching, provided by qualified coaches with specialised training designed to support staff returning from family leave.  Coaching can take place before, during or after leave, helping staff to manage this life transition.  More information about both of these projects will be available soon. 

We want to continue to improve our workplace for working parents. So that we can identify how we can do this, we are hoping to organise an event later this year in which our staff can share their experiences and ideas.  If you would be interested in attending this event, please register your interest with Gemma Dale:  Gemma.Dale@manchester.ac.uk.