Maternity leave and pay

Cleaver Fulton Rankin is a Belfast-based commercial law firm providing legal services to businesses and private clients.

Rebecca Russell, HR Manager at Cleaver Fulton Rankin, explains how the firm strengthened its support for employees returning from maternity leave, helping them return to work with confidence while balancing work and family life.

Recognising the need for better support

"Through employee consultations and personal experience, we recognised that returning to work after maternity leave can be challenging. Job roles may have changed, the need for flexibility often increases, and staff can feel disconnected from business updates and developments."

"These conversations highlighted the need for a more consistent, supportive, and structured return‑to‑work process."

Developing support for staff returning from maternity leave

"In response, Cleaver Fulton Rankin developed the Returners Toolkit. This is a structured support framework designed to keep employees connected during maternity leave and give them clarity, confidence, and access to the right support when they return to work."

"A key element of the toolkit is the Returners Induction Booklet. This outlines company updates, including any structural or policy changes that may have taken place during maternity leave. It also signposts staff to internal support networks and external guidance, helping them feel informed and welcomed back."

Benefits for staff and the business

"This approach has delivered clear benefits for both employees and the business. Staff returning from maternity leave feel valued and supported, which improves confidence, motivation, and performance. It has also strengthened retention by showing that the firm listens to and acts on employee needs."

"Employees have told us the Returners Toolkit helps them understand what’s expected in their role and prepares them for their return. It also helps the firm understand individual circumstances, explore opportunities across the business, and redesign roles where needed."

Ongoing communication and support

"Our approach supports greater flexibility, helping staff achieve a healthy balance between work and family life. The Returners Induction Booklet allows employees to refresh their understanding of the firm and catch up on any changes."

"Ongoing communication is essential. It helps us identify skills gaps and arrange appropriate training as employees return to work. Initiatives such as connect breakfasts and our Time to Talk sessions also provide informal opportunities to rebuild networks, feel included, and settle back into roles with confidence."