InsideAir explored the challenges of becoming a parent whilst serving in the RAF and the support it offers.
Flexible working
We have a booklet which provides information on flexible working which can be found at the link below (through the Defence Gateway):
Pregnancy in the RAF
There are two useful guides available, one for pregnant Servicewomen and one for their Line Managers. In addition, there is a new RAF Maternity Passport, to address a potential gap between military and NHS Health services. The booklets, which are owned by the Wellbeing & Parenting department at Headquarters Air Command, are all provided at the links below:
Managing your pregnancy and maternity leave - A guide for Service personnel
Supporting your staff during pregnancy – A Guide For Line Managers
Parental leave
There are also useful guides on Shared Parental Leave and Paternity Leave; both are provided at the links below:
Managing Shared Parental Leave - A Guide for Service Personnel and their Line Managers
Managing your Paternity Leave - A Guide for New Parents
Support Group for RAF parents returning to work
There is now a support group for RAF parents returning to work after parental leave; it’s available on Defence Connect (through the Defence Gateway) as well as Facebook and full details are available at the link below:
Support Network for RAF Parents Returning to Work
Adoption
We have a guide for both adopters in the RAF and their line managers; both are provided at the links below:
Managing your Adoption Journey and Leave - A Guide for Service Personnel
Supporting your Staff during their Adoption Journey and Leave - A Guide for Line Managers
Mental Health
Becoming a parent, no matter what your journey, can be tough. It is important to look after you mental health and seek assistance when you need it. The Parental Mental Health leaflet gives you signs and symptoms to look out for and advice and guidance on who can help and how to contact them. You can download it below (through the Defence Gateway):
RAF Parental Mental Health Leaflet