bp – Winner 2023, Best for Mothers

The outstanding offering by bp is supportive of women throughout their parenting journey. Built on their belief to ‘care for others’ at each stage of motherhood, they have fostered an environment where mothers choose to build their careers, evidenced by the impressive retention rates.

For eligible UK employees, bp offers: 

Progressive policies  

As well as 20 weeks maternity and adoption leave on full pay offered from day one, bp have introduced Child Time leave whereby any parent can take an additional six weeks in the first 36 months of their children’s lives on full pay with benefits. Flexibility is offered to help manage the balance and phased returns are available. For mothers returning from leave, public holidays can be taken flexibly and there is emergency time off available for wellbeing reasons.  As well as this, there are six days available annually where childcare is subsidized.  

Support at every stage 

bp offer up to £15,000 towards fertility treatment for women and their partners, as well as support in the form of podcasts, peer support, webinars and roundtables. Managers also receive guidance on fertility in the workplace to help support their team. Returners from leave are offered career coaching, and line managers are given checklists and training on how to manage leave successfully. Menopausal women can access a support group and menopause-specific private healthcare plan, and the Women’s Network are planning to expand a menopause awareness event to include children and partners on the best way to support women. 

Family-friendly initiatives  

bp’s package of benefits reflects their commitment to creating a family-friendly work environment. At their Sunbury site, a subsidized nursery is provided, as well as UK-wide Bright Horizons nursery discounts, breastfeeding facilities and private medical insurance for the family. Other measures in place are impressive, specifically a wellbeing allowance of £1500 annually that can be used for family experiences, discounts on children’s products and services, plus onsite family days and events, and access to Employment Assistance Programme for family members. In addition, bp host events and webinars on a range of parenting issues including parenting neurodiverse children, blended families, being a sandwich carer, and positive parenting.    

Success at every level 

The retention rate is evidence of the effectiveness of the measures bp has put in place. Almost 100% of mothers are still in the workplace after the birth of their second child, and 97% five years after the birth of their first child. Mothers of children under five hold senior vice president positions and senior leaders have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion real-time scorecard to track progress on female representation, promotion and retention – demonstrating a commitment to achieving equality. 

Disclaimer: 

This case study is in relation to bp’s current offering for UK employees. All benefits mentioned are discretionary and subject to policy, which may be amended at bp’s discretion.