Partner selected to be part of expert panel with charity

Keeley Lengthorn, Partner has been selected to be part of an expert panel which is aiming to raise awareness of pregnancy and parenting policies in the workplace.

The event, organised by leading charity Tommy’s, will take place next Tuesday (September 27).

Hosted by journalist and author Anna Whitehouse, founder of Mother Pukka, Keeley will talk about a new campaign she’s embarking on to support parents who lose a baby during pregnancy or birth.

Currently, if a baby is stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy, or dies shortly after birth, employees are legally entitled to maternity or paternity leave and pay.

If loss occurs before 24 weeks there is no legal right to paid leave – it’s a decision up to individual employers.

Taylor Rose MW has introduced paid leave across our business for those who suffer loss before 24 weeks. And Keeley, who has tragically lost three children in the past three years, has benefited from support.

But since speaking publicly about her loss she’s been inundated with messages from parents who don’t benefit from the same support.

In a bid to help them, Keeley is lobbying hard for the introduction of a Miscarriage Leave Bill which is due to have its second reading in Parliament soon.

Commenting on the event, Keeley said: “I’m honoured to be a part of this panel. Tommy’s carry out fantastic work supporting those who experience the loss of a child. I hope the event will help raise awareness of the support out there, but also shine a light on the areas where we need to see vast improvements - not least the introduction of this vital bill and the introduction of workplace baby loss policies.”

The expert panel will discuss the complexities of pregnancy and parenting in the workplace and share advice and guidance about the steps organisations can take to improve support for pregnant employees and their partners.

Guests at the panel event are likely to include HR managers or advisors, EDI professionals, employers and employees with the potential to influence their organisation’s policies.

Over the past 18 months there have been a number of high-profile launches of workplace pregnancy and baby loss policies. The panel will look at these and discuss the question: Is this enough to make a significant difference for employees or should we be expecting more from employers?

The event comes ahead of Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 Oct), which is a significant opportunity for organisations to show employees that they support open conversations about loss in the workplace, and that employees will be supported when they need it.

Also joining Keeley and Anna will be Jacqui Clinton, Tommy’s Fundraising Director and the Director of Tommy’s Pregnancy and Parenting at Work (PPAW) scheme for employers.

Rachel Suff, Senior Policy Advisor, CIPD, will be attending too and bringing insights and knowledge from her position. A Tommy’s Midwife and a representative from the Santander Bank (a member of the PPAW scheme) are also due to take part.

The event will be available to watch online for those who can’t attend.

Earlier this month Keeley was named among the 30 most inspirational women in London by Brummell Magazine. She was recognised as a “trailblazer” for creating new ways of working and thinking alongside 29 other inspirational women.

Next week Keeley will also record a new podcast for Infertility In The City where she will talk about her experiences.

 For more information about attending - either in person or remotely contact: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/supporting-employees-through-pregnancy-and-baby-loss-tickets-395999774987?utm_source=PPAW+Panel+Event+EventBrite&utm_medium=LinkedIn+Post&utm_campaign=PPAW+Panel+Event+

When: Tues 27 September at time please 09:30-12:00

Where: John Lewis HQ , 171 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5NN