Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

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. 

Related jobs

Senior HV Cable System Design Engineer
Engineering Full time
Senior HV Cable System Design Engineer

Various locations

Associate
Project, programme & cost management Project & Programme Management Full time
Associate

Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

Document Controller
Linxon Full time
Document Controller

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Senior Consultant, Digital Insights & Experience
Security, aerospace & defence Consultancy, Strategy & Advisory Full time
Senior Consultant, Digital Insights & Experience

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom

Project Planner
Clean power Linxon Full time
Project Planner

London, London, England, United Kingdom

Information Manager
Water Digital Full time
Information Manager

Various locations

Senior Consultant - Rail Technology Advisory
Transportation Engineering Full time
Senior Consultant - Rail Technology Advisory

Various locations

Associate Planning Consultant
Environment & geoscience Architecture & Planning Full time
Associate Planning Consultant

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Associate Director
Project, programme & cost management Project & Programme Management Full time
Associate Director

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Assistant Heritage Consultant
Environment & geoscience Sciences Full time
Assistant Heritage Consultant

London, London, England, United Kingdom

Practice Director (PD2) – Power and Energy Solutions (PES)
Project & Programme Management Full time
Practice Director (PD2) – Power and Energy Solutions (PES)

Various locations

Asset Management Consultant
Water Engineering Full time
Asset Management Consultant

Various locations

Related blogs

Part-time to Project Lead, school pick-ups to Sizewell C: Anna on engineering, motherhood, and making both work

From project delivery to school pick‑ups, Anna has done it all. Read how she built a thriving engineering career with flexibility and purpose.

Card link for Part-time to Project Lead, school pick-ups to Sizewell C: Anna on engineering, motherhood, and making both work

“I dream of owning a flower shop”: Alina on paragliding, the HS2 reset, and leading estimating teams from Manchester

Discover Alina’s journey from team lead to Associate Director, and read how she brings creativity, resilience, and curiosity into everything she does.

Card link for “I dream of owning a flower shop”: Alina on paragliding, the HS2 reset, and leading estimating teams from Manchester

Step out of your comfort zone and build relationships: Jo looks back at twenty-five years with AtkinsRéalis and what has shaped her career

Discover Jo’s journey from volunteer work in Soweto to leading major UK planning projects. Read how courage and collaboration defined her path.

Card link for Step out of your comfort zone and build relationships: Jo looks back at twenty-five years with AtkinsRéalis and what has shaped her career
Image of Katiana outdoors

“Clarity isn’t arrogance”: Katiana on leading through complexity, treatment, and the woodland where she breathes properly again

From complex programmes to personal resilience, Katiana leads with empathy and strength. Read how her journey reshapes what strength looks like in the workplace.

Card link for “Clarity isn’t arrogance”: Katiana on leading through complexity, treatment, and the woodland where she breathes properly again
Image of Clare near a water body

17 years, one pencil, and a career she has never left: Clare on flood risk, Brownies, and being yourself

From “real life geography” to global adventures, read how Clare’s passion, people first leadership, and purpose continue to drive her forward.

Card link for 17 years, one pencil, and a career she has never left: Clare on flood risk, Brownies, and being yourself
Tracey in a Jiu Jitsu match

A British champion, a regional director working part-time, and a strong believer in beautiful deviations. Meet Tracey.

From driving bold career moves to embracing fearless new beginnings, Tracey’s journey is anything but ordinary. Discover how she balances part‑time work with purpose, resilience, and growth.

Card link for A British champion, a regional director working part-time, and a strong believer in beautiful deviations. Meet Tracey.
Image of Anna on a horse

From policy to pinch-me moments: Anna on natural capital, neurodivergence, and never following a straight line

Discover Anna’s path from policy to practice, where impact, authenticity, and a non linear career come together.

Card link for From policy to pinch-me moments: Anna on natural capital, neurodivergence, and never following a straight line
Picture of Maria standing near a road

Making work, parenting and career progression work together

From career progression to caring responsibilities, Maria’s journey highlights the power of trust, empathy, and an inclusive workplace culture.

Card link for Making work, parenting and career progression work together
STEM Returners: Restart Your Career at AtkinsRéalis

Return to work in STEM careers

Maria shares her career break, return to work and experiences with us in ground engineering.

Card link for Return to work in STEM careers
Project coordinator jobs in ecology

How I became a project coordinator in the ecology and environmental sector

I don't have a degree, but I built an ecology career I love in a brilliant team. Here's how!

Card link for How I became a project coordinator in the ecology and environmental sector
Environmental Science Jobs

From environmental scientist to technical director: My career journey in water quality

Here's what I've learned – and what might help you – while building a meaningful career in water.

Card link for From environmental scientist to technical director: My career journey in water quality
Smiling woman with long curly hair sitting in front of a red brick wall.

Kickstart your data science career with AtkinsRéalis

Here's how I started my data science journey at AtkinsRéalis with impactful projects and career development.

Card link for Kickstart your data science career with AtkinsRéalis