Equality & Diversity

It can sometimes be a challenge to balance work and family. Not only for those with children, but also for those of us who have other responsibilities, such as looking after elderly parents.

You'll find information and support for the diverse mix of people who work at the University of Glasgow on the Human Resources Work Life Balance webpages.

This information will also be useful to managers of staff who are about to embark on a period of leave (for maternity, shared parental or adoption reasons) or who already have caring responsibilities.

Breastmilk Expressing Room

Returning to work after maternity leave can be a big adjustment, especially if you’re breastfeeding your baby.  If you wish/need to express milk, the University has a dedicated Expressing Room, centrally located in the main Gilbert Scott Building. The room has comfy chairs close to electrical outputs, with privacy screening and a fridge to store your milk. This facility's operating hours are 9am-5pm to match the building's operating hours. Although this room is primarily designed for those wishing to express breast milk, it can also be used for those wishing to breastfeed. Please note this room should not be used change babies or children as full changing facilities are available in toilets close by and in many of the other public spaces across the University. Contact your local HR team for information on how to access this facility.

The Mazumdar Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC) has baby feeding and changing facilities available on Level 2 (ground floor). The room is lockable and includes access to a fridge, microwave, bottle warmer and sink.

The Claris Pearce Building also as a dedicated Expressing/Feeding Room, located on the ground floor which is open to the public until 5pm. The room has a screened window, comfy chair close, electrical outputs and a fridge to store your milk.  Check in with reception at the building. 

The James McCune Smith Building, which has extended opening hours, has a Nursing Room which can be used to breastfeed and/or express milk. Note this room DOES NOT have a fridge. Contact the support staff in the James McCune Smith Building for access information.

Garscube Campus - The Parents' Room (Room A3) in the Mary Stewart Building has seating, a fridge and sink.  

Your School/Institute/Service may have local facilities or arrangements/facilities may be made available on an 'as needs' basis.  Contact your local Head of Administration/Professional Services to check.‌ 

Family Study Lounge

Check out the Library's Family Study Lounge facilities too. 

Academic Returners and Research Support

As part of the University’s commitment to improving gender equality, and specifically growing the number of women in senior academic roles, the University approved a process of supporting academic returners to maintain a successful research career. Primarily, to support female academics returning from maternity leave funding is available via the individual Colleges. Contact the relevant local HR team for further information.

The University recognises that employees may need to balance work and caring responsibilities and seeks to provide reasonable support to its carer population. We are committed to raising awareness of the role of carers and the demands faced in the workplace. 

Find out more at the dedicated Carer Support webpage.