Preparing for Parenthood Scheme

BUMPS, BABIES AND BOSSES

The NCT, the UK’s leading parenthood charity is launching a brand new ‘Preparing for Parenthood’ scheme to enable companies and organisations to demonstrate a positive approach to pregnancy.

As part of the scheme, the NCT has developed a range of ‘Preparing for Parenthood’ packs that employers can purchase to give to staff as part of their maternity benefits policy. For the first time ever, employers will now be able to provide expectant employees with information and support on pregnancy and birth.

Studies have shown that employers with the best maternity policies enjoy a return-to-work ratio of over 90 per cent¹,². Becoming a parent can also be stressful, so support from employers can make a real difference in ensuring that parents continue to contribute positively to the organisation.

The ‘Preparing for Parenthood’ packs contain a range of NCT services with three different formats and prices on offer including antenatal classes, full membership or an NCT Information pack with books, magazines, DVDs, leaflets and other essential information on birth and parenthood.

Companies can choose from three different options (minimum order of ten packs):-

· NCT Information pack with books, leaflets DVDs – cost £45
· NCT Information pack with a year’s NCT membership – cost £85
· NCT Information pack with NCT membership and NCT antenatal classes – cost £300

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, said;

“We are extremely pleased to be launching our new Preparing for Parenthood scheme. Our NCT packages will enable employers to show they support their employees through a life-changing experience of becoming a parent. Positive attitudes to parenthood benefit employers and employees alike, through skills retention, improved morale and a more productive workplace.”

Pilots

The NCT charity has piloted the programme with companies Jaguar Land Rover and Ford Europe. Jaguar Land Rover was recently voted first in a survey of corporate maternity policies carried out by the Guardian newspaper. (July 2007)

Jaguar Land Rover is offering staff the NCT Information pack with NCT membership as part of its maternity policy.

Rob Lummis, Group Employees Relations Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said; “The NCT Packs are an important element of our maternity policy and one example of the many family friendly policies we provide to our employers at Jaguar Land Rover. The packs provide our expectant employees with key information that is greatly valued by our parents-to-be.”

Ford Europe is offering staff the NCT Information pack as part of its maternity policy.

Jane Tottingham, Diversity Manager, Ford Europe, said; “The provision of NCT packs is an important element of our total maternity package for employees. The packs provide a single, easy to access source of key information for parents-to-be and are greatly valued by our employees.”

To discuss NCT Preparing for Parenthood packs, or to order a brochure on a range of services, please contact the NCT partnership team at commercial@nct.org.uk

ENDS

References
¹ International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
² EOC Discrimination in Pregnancy Report