Mary Peterson

The firm achieved the accreditation following a thorough review of its fertility policies and practices as well as the implementation of a series of recommendations.

Its policy has been improved to provide staff with up to four days’ paid leave per fertility treatment cycle in order to receive and recover from treatment or two days’ paid leave to accompany a partner to fertility appointments.

All staff have access to a support hub which includes a range of educational resources on fertility issues, a training programme for managers and access to coaching with a dedicated mental health professional. The firm has run a number of awareness raising sessions internally where colleagues have shared their own fertility journeys.

The Fertility Matters at Work ‘Fertility Friendly’ accreditation is recognised by the CPD and aims to improve workplace experiences for individuals needing fertility treatment, whilst ensuring organisations are inclusive.

Fertility Matters at Work is a social enterprise dedicated to improving workplace environments for individuals undergoing fertility treatments. Recognised for its ‘Fertility Friendly’ accreditation, FMAW partners with organisations to implement supportive policies and practices. These initiatives include advocating for fertility leave, providing educational resources and promoting mental health support.”

Mary Peterson, head of responsible business at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “We are proud to lead the way as the first major law firm to achieve the Fertility Matters at Work ‘Fertility Friendly’ accreditation.

“We want to foster a workplace culture where colleagues who are facing fertility issues know that they have a support network around them and there are provisions in place to allow them to receive treatment and take the necessary time off to recover.”

Natalie Silverman, co-founder of Fertility Matters at Work, said: “We’re thrilled to award Addleshaw Goddard as the first large law firm to become fertility friendly accredited.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the company’s dedication to supporting its employees in their path to parenthood. We’re so proud to be a part of this transformative process and look forward to the positive impact it will have on employees at Addleshaw Goddard.”