For employees
- Try to let your manager know as early as you feel comfortable so they can support you.
- Ensure you have your MatB1 certificate (or adoption certificate) when you start the formal process of applying for leave.
- You’re entitled to paid time off for antenatal appointments — your manager can help you plan for these.
- Start thinking about what support you might need before, during, and after your leave.
- Keep a note of key dates like when you want your leave to start and how long you plan to be off.
- Request a copy of your expected pay. Once you have submitted your leave forms to payroll via the E-health helpdesk you can raise a ticket and ask for a pay breakdown.
- NHS Lothian now offer equalised maternity pay (for the occupational pay part) – request this when you submit your leave form.
- Discuss how you would like to keep in touch (or not) during your leave.
- Consider how you might like childcare to look on your return – some nurseries in Edinburgh require you to sign up over a year in advance (often before the child is born)
- Ask questions — it’s okay not to know everything right away.
Planning leave checklist for staff
For managers
- Ask how your team member is doing and give them space to share when they’re ready.
- Be clear about what they’re entitled to and where to find policies — familiarise yourself with these polices and don’t expect them to know it all.
- Know what risk assessments you need to do and how often.
- Work together on a plan that feels realistic and flexible.
- Encourage early conversations about handover and keeping in touch (if they want to).
- Keep communication open and supportive — every experience is different.
- Keeping in Touch (KIT) days are great opportunities to set up access to help your team member prepare for returning. You can find more information about KIT days on the Acas Maternity leave and pay page.
- Complete the maternity leave form in eESS as soon as possible.
