Lesley Larg

New mothers will receive treble the existing paid maternity, which is rising to 26 weeks at full pay and 13 weeks’ half pay. People who adopt will be entitled to the same benefits.

Co-parents will receive 12 weeks of paid leave replacing the standard approach of two weeks.

Lesley Larg, managing partner, and a mother of two, said: “I’ve always been of the view that by providing the best possible conditions we will retain and recruit the best possible people, but this is also very personal for me.

“When my children were young, I frequently had to travel to London, but my husband also had a career which involved working away. It was a juggling act to find childcare, and I had a host of people involved including my mum. I remember being on the point of resignation because it was just too much, but luckily my fantastic colleagues helped to find alternative ways of working.

“As a growing and ambitious firm, we recognise the importance of removing those barriers and supporting people with caring responsibilities to ensure they can progress their careers.”

The firm is also introducing new paid leave entitlement for assisted conception and IVF treatment, as well as increased paid leave to support staff who experience miscarriages and parental bereavement.

Dr Susan Hetrick, director of people, said: “Introducing our family friendly policies is the first step in ensuring we support our colleagues during their working lives in the moments that matter and strengthen our already inclusive workplace.

“Our new shared parental leave policy is motivated by a desire to remove gender inequalities faced by working parents and encourage shared parenting. We know that this will encourage mothers or primary carers and their respective partners to play their part in the care of their child in the first year after birth, whilst maintaining a good connection with the workplace. Offering a supportive culture enables our people to thrive and produce their best work.”