RSA rolls out equal parental leave for workplace gender equality

UK insurer  RSA has launched an equal parental leave policy, effective from January 2024, in an effort to improve gender equality in the workplace and contribute to driving down the gender pay gap.

The implementation of the new policy aligns with RSA’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. It’s designed to better support all colleagues, challenge outdated gender norms, and enable and encourage all parents to take time out to care for their child.

The company believes its new policy will enhance and equalise parental leave to allow all colleagues to share in the first precious months of parenthood and rebalance the responsibilities of care.

The new policy will offer all parents equal leave of up to 52 weeks, 26 of which will be fully paid. It will apply to anyone with six months of continuous service and whose child or children are born or adopted after 1 January 2024.

Furthermore, RSA has partnered with social enterprise, From Babies with Love – a not-for-profit parental leave gift service that funds the care of orphaned and abandoned children – which has, so far, helped more than 26,562 children around the world. RSA will send all new parents a From Babies with Love ‘baby box’ of organic and ethically sourced baby clothes to help with the first weeks.

Gemma Jackson, head of diversity, equity and inclusion, said: “I’m delighted we’ve made this new commitment to further the support available to families at RSA. Gender should never be a barrier to spending time with your new child, particularly during those first few months, which are so important for those welcoming new family members.

"It’s also the latest step in our ambition to be leading in our sector on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by 2026. Equal parental leave is known to be a key enabler in improving gender equality in the workplace and contributes to driving down the gender pay gap, which remains a target for improvement across the industry. And so, we hope that this new policy will help to increase opportunities for colleagues and improve equity across the organisation.”

Rachael Woodman, client impact director, From Babies with Love, commented: “We're so proud of our RSA and From Babies with Love partnership. It’s wonderful to see RSA creating an exceptional employee experience, not only celebrating its colleagues on parental leave but also creating a positive social impact and delivering ESG results. Together we can create a world where every child is safe, loved and learning.”

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