Baillie Gifford introduces equal parental leave of up to a year

Lynn Dewar

The policy offers choice and flexibility to all new parents at the firm and aims to improve gender equality. The first 26 weeks of leave will be at full pay and the following 13 weeks at half-pay, a significant improvement to the current policy which was already well ahead of statutory requirements.

Parents will also continue to receive holidays and benefits. 

Lynn Dewar, a partner at Baillie Gifford, chairs the diversity and inclusion group.

She said: “The new policy offers equal rights to all working parents after a child’s birth or adoption.  As a fair and progressive employer, this is part of our commitment to supporting gender equality and improving diversity across the firm.”

Tim Alcorn, head of investment risk at Baillie Gifford is planning to take over three months of parental leave when his second child is born later this month.

He added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to spend this precious time together. I can support my wife, Souzan, and help take care of our new baby as well as our son Alexander (age 4). With this generous policy, Baillie Gifford has set out a clear industry-leading position which embodies the culture of the firm.”