Family support and work-life balance
As a department, we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where all members of our community can thrive while balancing work or study with family responsibilities.
Support and resources
Family-friendly policies
We offer a range of family-friendly policies designed to support different types of families and care arrangements including:
- Enhanced maternity pay and leave
- Paternity/Partner leave for all partners
- Adoption and surrogacy leave
- Shared parental leave
- Emergency leave for unexpected family situations
- Parental leave
- Short-term carers' leave
- Flexible working
- University nursery places
- Emergency childcare support
Facilities
The Mathematical Institute provides family-friendly facilities including:
- Private room for nursing parents
- Baby changing facilities
- Designated quiet space for care-related communications
Networks and communities
The wider University offers a number of networks and communities to support staff with caring responsibilities:
- Parents' and Carers' Network
- University-wide family support groups
- College-based family networks
- Oxford Carers Peer Support Network (via Teams)
Financial support
The University offers financial support to help manage the costs associated with family and caring responsibilities:
- Childcare salary sacrifice scheme
- University nursery fee contributions
- Support for conference attendance with caring responsibilities
- Childcare vouchers
Career support
Conference care arrangements
We provide help towards managing care arrangements during conference attendance, recognising the importance of professional development alongside family commitments.
'Having recently returned from maternity leave, the availability of the carer fund made all the difference. It allowed me to accept invitations for a research visit and to speak as a plenary speaker, while bringing my baby son along.
'The financial support made it possible for me to take up several career opportunities without compromising my family commitments.'
'My train ticket was for two adults. This is because my partner travelled with me to look after our daughter while I was visiting the department. I cannot travel anywhere without my daughter, as I'm still breastfeeding her.'
Return to work
We support staff returning from family-related leave through:
- Keeping in touch days
- Phased return options
- Return to work mentoring
- Flexible arrangements during the transition period
- Support for maintaining research momentum
Managing career breaks
The University’s career break scheme provides structured support for breaks between one and twelve months, with clear pathways for returning to work. Support includes:
- Preparation guidance before your break
- Regular check-ins during your absence if desired
- Return to work planning
- Help maintaining research momentum
- Funding and fellowship extensions where applicable