Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave - April 2026

Introduction

This policy sets out employees' rights to bereaved partner's paternity leave.

We recognise that any bereavement is difficult, and that the loss of a partner or a child can be one of the most devastating moments in a person's life. As an organisation, we are committed to supporting you during this incredibly difficult time and will do what we can to help you through your grief.

This policy covers both birth and adoption cases.

The following definitions are used in this policy:

"Adopter" means the person with whom the child has been or is to be placed for adoption, or where two people have been matched jointly, whoever has elected to be the child's adopter for the purposes of adoption leave.

"Official notification" means written notification, issued by or on behalf of the relevant domestic authority, that it is prepared to issue, or has already issued, a certificate to the overseas authority concerned with the adoption of the child, confirming that the adopter:

•    is eligible to adopt; and
•    has been assessed and approved as being a suitable adoptive parent.

"Partner" includes someone, of whatever sex, who lives with the mother or adopter of the child in an enduring family relationship but who is not the mother's or adopter's child, parent, grandchild, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew.

"Placed for adoption" means placed for adoption under UK adoption laws.

The policy does not form part of your contract of employment and we reserve the right to amend it at any time.