Appendix 3: Guidance for Heads of School/Unit

This section provides guidance for Heads of School/Unit regarding maternity leave.  An easy to use flowchart can be seen in Appendix 4.

Once an employee informs you that they are pregnant you should ensure that they are not subject to any harassment, discrimination or unfavourable treatment on the grounds that they are pregnant.

Do I need to carry out a Health and Safety risk assessment?

As part of a general duty of care, managers must ensure that a risk assessment of a pregnant employee is carried out.  Employees must let the Head of School/Unit know of their pregnancy as soon as possible, so that a Health and Safety assessment can by carried out. Information can be found on the Forms.

Are the entitlements the same if women are on fixed-term contracts?

Women on fixed term contracts are entitled to maternity pay. In circumstances where the contract expires during maternity lave if the employee has enough qualifying service then they will be entitled to maternity leave. Non-renewal of a fixed-term contract due to pregnancy is discriminatory.

Am I allowed to contact a member of staff who is on maternity leave?

A manager may make reasonable contact with an individual on maternity leave.   Prior to the start of maternity leave; managers should discuss arrangements for staying in touch with an employee, such as Keeping in Touch days.  Employees, with the agreement of their manager, can undertake 10 days’ paid work during their maternity leave period.

Is there anything I should be aware of following her return to work?

Managers should be aware that changes may have taken place during a woman’s maternity leave and should therefore ensure that she feels welcomed and is updated.  An employee on maternity leave has the right to return to the same job on the same terms and conditions that they held prior to going on maternity leave.  Any problems in the employee returning to work should be discussed with a member of Human Resources.

I’ve had a request for breast feeding facilities – what should I do?

The School/Unit should endeavour to find a quiet, private space for women to express and store breast milk or if reasonably practical allow the employee to change her hours of work.

Do I have to agree a request for part time working?

An employee returning from maternity leave has the right to request to work flexibly.  For further information please see the University's Flexible Working Policy or contact Human Resources on ext 3096.

Who does the work whilst my member of staff is on maternity leave?

A post can be covered by colleagues on acting-up allowances, secondments or by recruiting a temporary replacement via the Workforce Planning Group, email workforce@st-andrews.ac.uk.

If you have any further queries please contact Human Resources on extension 3096 or email humres@st-andrews.ac.uk