Parent’s Network
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This is achieved through policies and guidelines that benefit all staff – such as up to 3 months of unpaid leave a year, subject to tenure and role thresholds, and specific support mechanisms that ease the potential pain points that parents and carers specifically face, such as emergency childcare coverage. One of our recent successes – which we are immensely proud of – was the launch of our fully equalised paid parental leave for all employees, in a global move towards gender equality. This market-leading family policy promotes shared care through both equalising paid leave and introducing flexibility for how that leave is taken, allowing all parents to make decisions based on what works for them.
We also know that both preparing for parental leave and returning to work can be a challenge, so we support our employees with a personalised ramp up and down plan that includes reduced hours, internal roles, and the ability to apply for a return-to-work model at certain grades.
Each employee will have a personalised keeping-in-touch plan during leave, and parental coaching sessions are offered to all new parents. These can be taken prior to, during, and on return from leave to ensure they happen when most effective for each individual.
a support network for working parents and carers
The Parents’ Network is a key pillar of our Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) council, which ensures that ongoing business decisions account for issues that may face our parents and carers, as well as significantly contributing to shaping our policies and ways of working within our firm. The network also holds regular events about being a parent at OC&C, and provides a forum for parents and carers to share tips and tricks, as well as to ask questions from those who may have been through some of the issues being faced.
Meet our Parental Champions
" “The flexible working scheme is a hugely valuable benefit which gives me the chance to balance my career and having a young family. I spend my Fridays off with my twin daughters and help out at their school. I also take a month of unpaid leave every year to be with them in the summer holidays, which is wonderful time for us all.” "
Mairi
Partner and Chair of Shareholder Committee
" “As one of the first beneficiaries of OC&C’s equalized parental leave I’m proud to work somewhere that supports parents. The extended leave, and the flexibility on when I could take it, was a huge help for my wife and me as we adjusted to life as working parents.” "
Karl
Associate Partner
" “Given my role, I have seen first-hand how much OC&C cares about ensuring our workplace is somewhere employees can balance family life and work life. Our policies and benefits are structured with a genuine expectation that they will be used, as demonstrated by numerous members of our leadership team, and it is comforting to know that, in an otherwise potentially long and fast paced career, there is support to pause or re-prioritise if you need to. I am now preparing for a year of my own parental leave knowing the firm is cheering me on” "
Stephanie
Head of HR, Global
Frequently asked questions
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What is the purpose of the Parents’ Network, and who can join?
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What maternity, paternity and adoption support does OC&C offer?
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How can I access resources, such as parental leave guides or flexible working options?
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Are there regular events or forums organised for parents?
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Can employees across all levels and geographies join the network, and how can they contribute?
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Does OC&C provide specific resources for parents of children with disabilities or additional needs?