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The University of Southampton
Human Resources

Adoption leave


Important: This Adoption Policy and guidance applies if your Expected Placement Date was before 01 September 2024.

If your Expected Placement Date is on or after 01 September 2024, the new Adoption Leave and Pay Policy and guidance applies. Please visit the Family Life SharePoint site to view further details. 

If you are unsure which policy applies to you, please contact Ask HR.



Adoption leave is the period of time you have the conditional right to take when you've been notified of being newly matched with a child for adoption.

The adoption policy (see 'Related documents' below) provides further information about your statutory rights, eligibility and how to take adoption leave. An adoption leave application form is also provided.

You should notify HR of your intention to take adoption leave via an Online HR Request .

We recognise you may have questions or concerns relating to your adoption leave rights. We encourage open discussion to ensure that questions and problems can be resolved as quickly as possible. We recommend you clarify the relevant procedures with your line manager and Ask HR as necessary.

In addition to these provisions, the Parents' and Carers' Network (P&CN) aims to support the working lives of colleagues who also have off-campus responsibilities, looking after children or adults unable to care for themselves due to old age or disability.

Related documents

Policy - Adoption

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