Our Parental Leave Handbook

Peer 1

Can you tell us about your role and how long you’ve been with the organisation?

My role at the time was as a Technical Fire Safety Supervisor which was a team leader and dealt with auditing businesses against fire safety standards, hazard/risk analysis and assessment, law enforcement, training new inspectors and mentoring existing inspectors, assessing complex building control plans and working with many partner organisations to achieve improved fire safety standards across Humberside.

How old are your children/is your child?

He’s 11 years old now, just started at High School this September.

How has being a parent shaped your experience at work?

Its like many things in life, unless you have walked in someone else’s shoes (metaphorically speaking) you never truly understand what some people have to deal with, so becoming and being a parent makes you appreciate what troubles or problems other parents go through, whether that be unexpected trips to the doctors, a call from the school to say they have had an accident or don’t feel well and need picking up from school and taking home, or wanting time off to see them in a school play or performance.

What support have you found helpful in balancing work and parenting?

A supportive manager and colleagues go a long way to supporting you at work, along with understanding and flexibility (from all parties).  

Have there been any particular challenges you’ve faced as a working parent?

Having a well-balanced work/home life, and learning when to switch off from work when you are at home.

What advice would you give to a colleague who’s about to become a working parent, or considering becoming a working parent?

Do it. The Service has some very supportive policies and working practices; having a good team around you who are supportive is huge.

Are there any myths you would like to bust about becoming a working parent?

It can be done. Life will change so you will need to adapt.  

Peer 2

Can you tell us about your role and how long you’ve been with the organisation? 

I am a HR Service Partner and have been with the Service for almost 4 years in January 2026.

How old are your children/is your child? 

My child has just turned 3 years old and is a complete threenager.

How has being a parent shaped your experience at work? 

Parenthood brings a new level of perspective, the small stresses at work don’t feel quite as worrying when balanced against the responsibilities and joys of raising a child. Prioritising my time and saying no so things do not become overwhelming.

What support have you found helpful in balancing work and parenting? 

My line manager and team have been so supportive in balancing work and parent life. I have trialled various working hours to juggle everything that comes with being a working mum and permanently reduced my hours in the last year. 

Have there been any particular challenges you’ve faced as a working parent? 

The key challenges are jumping between different roles and trying to give everything your all. The financial impact of becoming a parent and reducing my working hours.

What advice would you give to a colleague who’s about to become a working parent, or considering becoming a working parent? 

Key advice points would be ask for support or help, don't put too much pressure on yourself and look for ways that strike a good work-life balance for you personally!

Are there any myths you would like to bust about becoming a working parent?

Myth: You can’t be a good parent and a good employee. 

You absolutely can, I have found that in the early days or returning to work I felt like I wasn't performing any role particularly well but once adjusted you can be good in all roles ensuring you look after yourself too!