Paternity/partner support leave policy

1. Policy Statement

The University understands that the support of a partner or nominated support carer is invaluable when a child is born or adopted.

This leave is commonly called Paternity leave and the current rights to this leave are as stated in the Employment Act 2002 (Ordinary Paternity Leave (OPL)). University Paternity/partner support leave is available to those who become expectant fathers, partners or a nominated support carer.

Paternity/partner support leave was approved by the University Court on 21 May 1996 and has been updated in line with the Employment Rights Act 2025.

2. Scope

This policy gives staff up to 10 days paid leave on the birth or adoption of their child/children, supporting the mother or primary carer. 

3. Definitions

• Partner: is someone, of whatever sex, who lives with the mother, expectant mother or adopter of the child.
• Expected week of Childbirth (EWOC): The seven-day period where the doctor or midwife expect the mother to give birth.
• Maternity Certificate: This refers to the MATB1 form provided to the mother by the healthcare professional.
• Antenatal: Routine appointments that check the health of the baby and mother during pregnancy. More information on this can be found in our Paternity/partner support leave guide.

4. Leave

Staff are eligible to apply for unpaid paternity/ parental leave from the first day of employment with the University. In line with the Government Legislation this applies to the leave only; to receive statutory payments, you are still required to have 26 weeks continuous service.

This leave is available to all staff who are;

• The biological father of the child
• The biological mother’s spouse or partner 
• Or the spouse or partner of the primary carer in relation to adoption or surrogacy

Staff who meet these criteria are entitled to take 10 days paid leave, which can be taken in two single blocks or one double block. This applies to multiple births and adoption placements.

One parent (but not both parents) who adopt a child are also eligible for this leave. If eligible, an employee may apply for the benefits of maternity leave instead of paternity/maternity support leave or parental leave in addition to paternity/maternity support leave. Paternity/Maternity Support Leave may not be shared with the birth parent. No distinction will be drawn between live and still births.

The 10 days must be taken between the date of birth/ adoption and the subsequent 56 days. This can also be taken after a period of paid shared parental leave. 

Staff looking to take more than 10 days, can look to use annual leave days, if they have the available balance.

5. Additional Information

• Shared parental leave
• Adoption leave
• Fertility treatment leave
• Flexible working
• Family leave
• Foster care
• Hybrid working
• Parental and paternity bereavement leave
• Unpaid parental leave
• Annual leave
• Carers leave
• Surrogacy leave
• Neonatal care leave
• Paternity/partner support guide

Document information