The University of Sheffield
Human Resources

Text: Photograph Parents in Academia Event Text: Photograph Parents in Academia Event Text: Photograph Parents in Academia Event Text: Photograph Parents in Academia Event

Welcome to the Parents in Academia network.

The Parents in Academia network was set up following the enthusiastic response to the Children in Academia event which was held in May 2012. In combination with Women@TUOSNET (The University of Sheffield Womens Network) and encompassing the former Parent Researcher coffee mornings hosted by Think ahead in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, this network aims to:

  • Be a conduit for information
  • Support all staff and students through career breaks
  • Share best practice and "how to" tips

One of the activities as part of this scheme will be to host quarterly coffee mornings for men and women in academia who have families, are about to start a family, or are thinking have children in the future. Each coffee morning will have a specific theme and will include opportunities for discussion and networking.

In March 2013, we launched an informal mentoring scheme Parent to Parent (P2P) to help support parents going on, or returning from, parental leave.

How do I support my...

Student                     

Member of staff                      

Research Finance

Research Finance provides support and guidance on financial aspects of externally funded research grants and contracts, including parental leave, based on the sponsor type. For more information, please speak to the team member responsible for your grant.

Family Friendly Initiatives

Family Leave
The University has in place various policies to support parents in the workplace, including maternity, paternity, partner and adoption leave.


Flexible Working
The University is fully committed to helping working parents balance work and family life, whilst this is compatible with the interests of the University.

Student Parents
Details of the support network and information available to student parents is collected together for an easy reference page for students and those who support students.

Childcare Information

Payplus for Childcare
Pay plus for childcare is the University's salary sacrifice scheme for childcare ‎vouchers.

Sheffield City Council 'Sheffield Parenting Strategy
Working alongside partner organisations, Sheffield City Council intend to increase parenting skills and capacity, helping parents and carers to be better informed about the services that are on offer to support them.

King's Camps
King's Camp run children's summer camps and sport and activity day camps at Sport Sheffield, Goodwin Sports Centre, University of Sheffield during the school holidays.