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All-Party Parliamentary Group on Flexible and Family-Friendly Working reforms 

Published: 15 May 2025

Baroness Penn, Sarah Russell MP and Working Families CEO Jane van Zyl at the launch of the APPG for Flexible and Family-Friendly Working

Baroness Penn, Sarah Russell MP and Working Families CEO Jane van Zyl

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has been reformed at the House of Commons.  

Sponsored by leading organisations Zurich, TLT, and Wates, the APPG will focus on supporting working families and promoting flexible and family-friendly working arrangements through policy, law and employer practice.  

The group will be chaired by Sarah Russell, Labour MP for Congleton, and co-chaired by Conservative Peer Baroness Penn. 

Chair of the APPG, Sarah Russell MP, said:  

Greater availability of flexible and family friendly working would change many parents’ and carers’ lives, promote equality, and boost our economy through greater workforce participation.

I’m so pleased to be chairing this APPG and working cross party to create a society where careers and caring responsibilities are not mutually exclusive. The APPG underscores the cross-party commitment to advancing policies that support parents and carers across the UK.

Co-Chair Baroness Penn said: 

The APPG is a fantastic opportunity to bring together voices from across the political, business and non-profit spheres to work towards tangible change in the workplace so that they reflect the realities of managing modern family life.

Working Families CEO, Jane van Zyl said:  

We believe that flexible working is not just a benefit but a necessity for the modern workforce. This APPG will play a pivotal role in advocating for policies that empower families, support a better work-life balance, and contribute to a more inclusive and productive society.

The meeting to reform the group took place on 23rd April, and was attended by Sarah Russell, Baroness Penn, as well as Andrew Cooper MP for Mid-Cheshire, Maya Ellis MP for Ribble Valley, Lee Barron MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, Lord Parkson of Whitley Bay, and Baroness Sanderson of Welton. 

The inaugural meeting of the APPG is anticipated to take place in May at Portcullis House, marking the beginning of a concerted effort to drive legislative changes that promote flexibility and family-friendly working environments. Key stakeholders will be invited to attend, including policymakers and influencers dedicated to reshaping the future of work. 

The collaboration between Zurich UK, TLT, and Wates and highlights the commitment of leading businesses to support and drive positive change in workplace practices. As a mix of Employer Members of Working Families and advocates for progressive employment policies, they are well placed to contribute valuable insights and resources to the APPG’s mission. 

The APPG’s work will focus first and foremost on policies that will make the most impact, such as parental leave, the motherhood penalty, promoting the business case for flexible working and contributing to the child poverty strategy.