Paternity Leave Policy - April 2026

Notice to take paternity leave (adoption from overseas)

Notice of entitlement (adoptions from overseas)

Before you can take paternity leave, you must give your line manager and the Absence Team written notice within 28 days after the date on which the child's adopter receives the official notification. Your notice must confirm:

•    the date on which the adopter received the official notification;
•    the date on which the child is expected to enter Great Britain (or, if they have already entered Great Britain, the date of entry); and
•    that you meet the eligibility requirements to take paternity leave and that the child's adopter has received the official notification.

All absences should be covered by a Matching Certificate supplied by the Adoption Agency.

You should inform your manager and the Absence Team by completing the application form Paternity Leave Application Form 2026 or through My View via My Forms within seven days of notification of the child’s placement with the primary adopted or as soon as is reasonably practicable. 

Period of leave notice (adoption from overseas)

Each time that you wish to take a period of paternity leave, you must give your line manager and the Absence Team further written notice confirming:

•    when you want to start your leave (you may take this in one single block or two separate blocks);
•    whether you wish to take one- or two-weeks’ leave; and
•    that the purpose of the leave is to care for the child or support the child's adopter.

You can choose to start a period of paternity leave:

•    On the date of your child's entry into Great Britain: Your period of leave notice must reach us at least 28 days before the date on which the child is expected to enter Great Britain.
•    On a predetermined date: This date must be no earlier than the date of your child's entry into Great Britain. Your period of leave notice must reach us at least 28 days before that predetermined date.

You should inform your manager and the Absence Team by completing the application form Paternity Leave Application Form 2026 or through My View via My Forms within seven days of notification of the child’s placement with the primary adopted or as soon as is reasonably practicable. 

You must also give your line manager and the Absence Team written notice of the date your child entered Great Britain within 28 days of entry, or written notice that the child will not be entering Great Britain as soon as possible after you become aware of this fact.