LEADING consultancy firm Bentley Project Management has announced industry-leading enhanced parental policies as part of its drive to offer a more inclusive working environment.
Alongside improved maternity and paternity packages, the consultancy - which recently moved to a new home at Ruddington Fields Business Park - has also rolled out support for team members going through fertility treatment, miscarriage and pregnancy loss, something which Bentley believes it is the first of its competitors to do.
The business’ head of people Melanie Noble has spearheaded the proposals and says that they form part of Bentley’s overall goal of being recognised as one of the industry's most progressive employers.
Melanie said: “When we started to develop our wider people strategy for the business, one of the things we wanted to put at its core was not just the idea of recruiting the best staff, but also retaining the wonderful team we have here.
“One thing we have always looked to do is not just to work at statutory minimums for anything, so when we reviewed our policies, we were already working from a solid base. One of our core values is doing what we say and going above and beyond for our clients and each other, and we believe that this is illustrated in these enhanced family-friendly policies.”
As well as maternity and paternity packages that are above the statutory minimum, Bentley has signed up to the Fertility Workplace Pledge, and will offer leave for those experiencing miscarriage.
“With rising bills and the cost of living crisis, statutory maternity and paternity pay isn’t really adequate for most people so by offering these improved packages, we’re hoping to show that having a family isn’t going to be the detriment of your career in the construction industry.
“It’s really important to us that we are providing emotional support as well as financial, and this is particularly the case when it comes to fertility treatment and for those that have experienced miscarriage. We have also signed up to the Fertility Workplace Pledge, which highlights the importance of awareness, accessible information, staff training and flexible working.
“Fortunately, it does seem that such policies will eventually become the statutory minimum, but with this is likely to be several years in the making, it was important for us as a business to take it on as early as possible and ensure that we have fully equal opportunities for everyone on our team.”
Jonathon Bentley, managing director at Bentley Project Management, said: “When we first started discussing these plans with Melanie, one of the things that we agreed was that we should be not just matching the industry standard, but surpassing it. We pride ourselves as a business on doing the right thing and being the best possible team we can be, and these policies are indicative of how we want to look after our colleagues going forward.”
For more information on Bentley’s policies, visit bentleyprojectmanagement.co.uk/careers/rewards-and-benefits
