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Paternity toolkit

  • Covers a range of paternity leave situations
  • Contains all the relevant documents you need
  • Step-by-step guidance to help you comply with the law
£50+VAT

Please note that this toolkit has recently been updated. It can be used for employees whose child is due after 6 April 2024, or whose expected date of adoption placement is on or after 6 April 2024. If your employee's child is due to be born or placed with them before this date, this toolkit will not apply.

This paternity toolkit will take you through the key steps to take when a staff member wishes to take paternity leave. It contains a how-to guide along with a pack of all the relevant template documents you are likely to need.

This paternity toolkit can be used in a wide variety of situations, whether a staff member's partner is having a baby, they are adopting or they are having a baby via surrogacy.

By using this toolkit, you ensure that you comply with your legal obligations, which reduces the risk of your staff member taking legal action against you and helps to maintain good workplace relations.

Q&A

  • When should I use this toolkit?

    This paternity toolkit is always useful to have as part of your HR documentation.

    Staff can use the forms provided to notify you of their eligibility for paternity leave and their return dates, and you can use the template letters provided to make appropriate paternity leave arrangements.

  • What does this toolkit cover?

    This paternity toolkit includes a how-to guide which sets out the key steps you must take when a staff member wishes to take paternity leave. It also includes a pack of all the relevant documents you are likely to need.

    The template letters and notices provided in this toolkit can be used in a variety of situations, whether a staff member's partner is having a baby, they are adopting or they are having a baby via surrogacy.

    You and your staff member can use the templates to confirm eligibility for paternity leave, decide start and end dates and arrange any other time off needed for appointments.

  • Why do I need this toolkit?

    This paternity toolkit helps you to take all the right steps when a staff member wishes to take paternity leave.

    By using this toolkit, you'll ensure that you and your staff member comply with the law and take necessary steps within the right time frames. This helps your staff member support their family, reduces the risk of future disputes and helps you to maintain good workplace relations.

  • Where can I find out more?

    For full guidance on the paternity leave process, see Paternity and shared parental leave.

Documents in Toolkit

  • Adoption - Employee notice of date of arrival
  • Declaration of eligibility for time off to attend antenatal appointments
  • Employee declaration of eligibility for time off to attend antenatal appointments with surrogate
  • Employee declaration of eligibility for time off to attend pre-adoption appointments
  • Employee notice of date of childbirth
  • How-to guide: Paternity toolkit
  • Notice of updated return date from paternity leave
  • Paternity arrangements letter

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