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Helping you balance work, family and wellbeing

ParentNet is our Employee Resource Group for anyone balancing work and family life. It's a supportive space where parents and carers can share challenges, ask questions, and find encouragement from others who understand the ups and downs of parenting.

Why support for working parents matters

Around nine million people in the UK are working parents, yet many still face daily challenges balancing their responsibilities. One in three reduce their hours due to childcare difficulties, and nearly two in five say they need more mental health support at work.

ParentNet exists to make sure no one has to face those challenges alone. Founded in 2015 by a colleague returning from maternity leave, it began with a simple goal: to make that transition easier by connecting people with shared experiences. Today, it's a thriving community helping parents at AtkinsRéalis feel supported, seen, and able to thrive personally and professionally.

"AtkinsRéalis has been great at adapting a role for me around my big and unexpected life change. It's what's allowed me to keep working. Here, it's okay to speak up about your family's needs and work with your line manager if changes are needed."

—Claire Dickenson, Chartered Environmentalist, Engineering Net Zero

How ParentNet supports you

Our VivaEngage page is a safe, welcoming space where parents can share questions, perspectives, and advice – from "how do I get my toddler to eat their vegetables?" to "what was it like returning from family leave?" 

There's always someone who's been there or is going through something similar. That peer-to-peer connection, empathy, and reassurance can make all the difference – reminding you that whatever stage you're at, you'll have the support to get through. 


ParentNet has played a direct role in shaping the family-friendly approach that makes AtkinsRéalis a supportive place to work. It's a great example of how employees' voices shape our workplace to truly reflect real-life needs. Here are some of our industry-leading policies:

  • Maternity and adoption pay: 26 weeks' full pay.
  • Partner leave (formerly Paternity Leave): 4 weeks' full pay, inclusive of all family types.
  • Shared parental leave: up to 4 weeks of paid leave can be transferred, subject to statutory requirements.
  • Return-to-work bonus: available for all UK colleagues following maternity or adoption leave.

Webinars: ParentNet members invite external experts to lead conversations on topics that matter most to parents – from children's mental health and helping teens navigate exams to understanding the imposter phenomenon. 

Employee-led panel discussions: Members and allies share their own stories and challenges to support others, with open conversations on topics such as single parenting or raising neurodiverse children. 

Baby Loss Awareness Week: Each year we honour this important week with daily posts on Viva Engage and by lighting some of our buildings in pink and blue – recognising the trauma of baby loss and its impact on life and work. 

Our Buddy Scheme – the first of its kind in our industry – is something we're really proud of. Trained colleagues volunteer to support those moving between work and family leave, whatever type of leave they're taking and no matter how many times they've done it before. 

It’s a chance for parents-to-be or new parents to connect with allies, share approaches, and explore how to make the most of our family-friendly policies – from how a KIT day works to submitting flexible working requests. 

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