This year the group focused on several areas of activity including:

1. Reporting on maternity, paternity, parental, adoption and carers leave, and use of KIT/SPLIT days.

For the 2022/2023 academic year there were 14 research and teaching (R&T) staff members on maternity leave and one member of staff took paternity leave. One professional services staff (PSS) member finished their maternity leave in 2022/2023, but no PSS staff took paternity leave. No shared parental leave or adoption leave were taken in either staff group. Six members of R&T staff worked a total of 14 keeping in touch days (KIT) while no KIT days were used by PSS staff. Six R&T and five PSS staff used carer’s leave. No days for emergency time off to care for dependents was taken by either staff group.

2. Raising awareness of, and engagement with, carer support resources.

On the 12th of June 2024 in the Clarice Pears building, an informal drop in coffee morning to celebrate Carer’s week was organised. Seven attendees in total were present, all attendees were females. Attendees were a mix of carers and colleagues showing their support.

3. Breastfeeding Accreditation.

In September 2023, SHW and Clarice Pears fulfilled the criteria to join the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme, which is supported by the Scottish Government. The scheme has three main aims:

  • To provide mums with positive experiences of breastfeeding when out and about, allowing mums to feel confident and supported.
  • To raise awareness of the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Equality Act 2010 and
  • To ensure that organisations are aware of their responsibilities under this legislation.

SHW met these criteria and was praised for the facilities located on the ground floor and the general friendliness of the Clarice Pears building.

If you would like to join this group, please contact the group chairs Kirsty Dunn and Elise Whitley.

First published: 30 October 2024

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