Expectant and New Mothers

Please find below a link to our New and Expectant Mothers Policy Standard and our step by step guide for expectant or new mothers.

 

Step 1 – Notification Process
Chemicals, Radiation, Biological Agents, Animals – If you are working with any of these items you are asked to notify your line manager, local specialist or Health and Safety as soon as possible.

Please read HR’s Maternity Leave Policy for details on notifying your line manager, your pay and leave entitlements.

Step 2 – Risk Assessment
Complete the New and Expectant Mothers Risk Assessment with your line manager as soon as possible.

A risk assessment must be completed when notified of:

  • A pregnancy, with reviews each trimester
  • Significant changes to the expectant mother’s activity or workplace
  • A return to work/study if given birth in the last 6 months
  • A return to work/study if breastfeeding

To support you both in this process we have created a Template Risk Assessment which can be amended for individuals as needed, this is also available within iTrent (instructions are available from page 5 of this Manager’s User Guide).

Completed risk assessments must either be kept locally for 5 years if paper-based, or by saving the iTrent form.

If you have any issues or questions you want to discuss about this process or privately then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Step 3 – Before Returning to Work
Make sure you have notified your line manager of your return to work date, so we can ensure you are paid correctly.

If you are intending to express at work, ask your line manager to locate a private room for expressing, and ensure there is somewhere to store your milk.

Step 4 – Return to Work
If you are returning to work and have given birth within the last 6 months, are breastfeeding, or have had a significant changes to your role or workplace location please complete the New and Expectant Mothers Risk Assessment with your line manager.

If these don’t apply, it is still good practice to undertake a return to work discussion with your line manager upon your return.

Complete a new DSE self-assessment within your first week to ensure your workstation is setup for you correctly.

Students
Further advice for Students can be found at Student Services.

Further Guidance/Links