Work and family

The School of Psychological Science promotes the University of Bristol Work & Family, which provides information and support for parents and carers.

The School is committed to providing every opportunity for our staff to integrate the development of a career with family responsibilities. All employees have the right not to be subjected to a detriment on the grounds of pregnancy, childbirth or maternity/paternity, irrespective of hours of work or service. The University website has more information on eligibility, entitlements and the University paternity policy, maternity policy, adoption policy and shared parental leave policy.

Returning Carers' Scheme

The University's Returning Carers' Scheme supports academic staff to re-establish their independent research careers on return from extended leave for reasons connected to caring.

Learn more about how you can apply for the scheme

Bristol Clear

The Bristol Clear project was initiated and has been championed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, Professor Nishan Canagarajah (now Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester), who said: ‘Research staff are crucial to the success of our institution and its research endeavour. We pride ourselves in attracting the most talented researchers to Bristol and the aim of Bristol Clear is to attract them and nurture them with the support they need to be successful.’ The Bristol Clear project provides coaching, mentoring and career dro- in sessions, amongst other services.

University staff networks

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network
The BAME Network are relaunching this spring with a launch event. All University Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic employees and those who identify with BAME Ethnics to our welcome to join!

Childless Staff Network
Whether you’re childless due to infertility or circumstance, the University of Bristol Childless Staff Network is here as a supportive, friendly, and compassionate community. Join a group of staff who “get” what it’s like to be a childless person in a workplace environment and who would like to share experiences, access a support network and / or raise awareness of childlessness at work. 

Disabled Staff Forum
The Disabled Staff Forum provides a platform for disabled colleagues where experiences can be shared and policy/practice can be influenced to minimise any barriers. The Forum also works to raise awareness of visible and non-visible disability-related issues.

LGBT+ Staff Network
The LGBT+ Staff Network is open to all LGBT+ staff, and provides a space where staff can share their ideas to influence more inclusive policies, support Pride and ensuring LGBT+ visibility across the University. The network hosts regular socials and meetings for members.

Parents and Carers Network
Supporting and retaining staff who take time out to start a family or care for a loved one is a challenge associated with a work/life balance. The Parents and Carers Network provides a space to talk to others in similar situations and identifies changes to current policy and practice that could better support parents and carers at work.

Neurodiversity Staff Network
The Neurodiversity Staff Network is group of staff who have experience of neurodiversity.

Wider policies to support parents and parents-to-be

Additional University policies which support parents and parents-to-be include:

• The Maternity and Paternity Careers Coaching Service
• Maternity leave policy
• Paternity leave policy
• Parental leave policy
• Adoption leave scheme

Support for those with caring responsibilities

Additional University policies which support those with a variety of caring duties include:

• Flexible working policy
• Compassionate and dependants leave guidelines
• Information on the University Nursery