One year on: Reflecting on one year of our Equal Parental Leave Policy

In January 2024, we launched our Equal Parental Leave Policy to support our colleagues in embracing the early months of parenthood, while promoting a more balanced approach to caregiving.

The policy allows up to 52 weeks of leave, 26 of which are fully paid, to all parents (regardless of gender) the same enhanced paid parental leave offer. This includes birth, adoption and surrogacy, with no distinction of maternity and paternity leave. This action is about levelling the playing field – both in the workplace and in wider society.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy aims to lead our sector by 2026 and achieve exceptional performance by 2030. The Equal Parental Leave Policy aligns to our DE&I goals, and is designed to better support all colleagues, challenge outdated gender norms, and enable and encourage all parents to take time out to care for their child.

To date, over 40% of RSA colleagues who have taken parental leave since the introduction of the policy are male, which is an incredible start that shows the contribution that our people are making to gender equity in our own workplace.

We've caught up with some of our colleagues who will soon be using the Equal Parental Leave Policy:

We are welcoming our second child soon, and I am super excited to take some time out with my family. After returning to work after the birth of my first child after just a couple of weeks, it’s a sharp change to your life after those initial weeks of settling into your new norm at home. Having the extra time this time to settle and invest time in both of my children will be really important.”

James Wales - UK&I Expense and Efficiency Director

We are welcoming our first baby later this year, and knowing I’ll have those 6 months to support my new family will be a huge weight off our shoulders. Having recently moved into a new role, I feel really grateful to have the chance to enhance my career and learn, while still being given the opportunity to take Parental Leave.

Stephen Purcell - Head of Strategic Projects

Sarah Mantle-Gray, Chief Human Resources Officer at RSA, added: “We're proud to be celebrating the first anniversary of our Equal Parental Leave policy. This action is about levelling the playing field - both in the workplace and wider society. I'm proud to see so many colleagues, including many senior male leaders, taking advantage of the policy.

"Research consistently shows that diverse teams drive better performance, spark innovation and build more resilient organisations – and to foster and attract diverse talent, support equitable policies and take action is key.

"The benefits of diversity extend wider into the macro environment, with the International Monetary Fund suggesting that narrowing the gender gap in labour markets can increase GDP in emerging markets and developing economies by almost 8%, whilst closing the gender gap completely would lift GDP by 23% on average. So, action like this really brings into focus our commitment to positively shape the future of society.”