Working Parents and Carers Staff Network

Our network is open to all current staff members who are working parents or a carer in any capacity. We are keen to expand our membership to increase diversity and ensure representation from all staff groups, academic schools and professional service teams.

Whether you’re a mum, dad, step-parent, grandparent or carer of a dependant (of any age), the network is open to you and provides an opportunity to connect with others who have similar responsibilities.

We organise 5-6 optional opportunities to engage with the network per year. There is a mixture of informal coffee and catch-up meetings that take place on campus, alongside virtual meetings where we discuss specific issues affecting working parents and carers and the relevant University processes or policies.

We view the network as a supportive community for working parents and carers where experiences can be shared, as well as an opportunity to make change happen across the University that will benefit other working parents and carers.

To join our network or find out more, please get in touch with us – we would be very happy to hear from you.

Profile photo of Abbie Loney

Abbie Loney

Co-Chair of Working Parents and Carers Network

Profile photo of Ally McDonald Alonso

Ally McDonald Alonso

Co-Chair of Working Parents and Carers Network

2023 Network Events

All network members are sent Outlook calendar invitations to our meetings. Attendance is optional and no booking is required.

Coffee and a Convo (Bring Your Own Lunch)

Thursday 20 April, 11 – 11.45am

Meet other parents and carers, chat informally. Safe but informal space for discussion on a chosen topic, chance to raise any topics you'd like to be discussed at future meetings: e.g., How do you manage work/life balance?

Community / Family Fun Day

Sunday 14 May, 12 – 4pm

Hazlerigg Lawn (LSU in event of bad weather), including WP&C Network Family Funday Social!

New Starters Fair

Date and time TBC

Current members are welcome to come for a coffee and a catch up at our stand at the Fair.

LU London Family Fun Day

Thursday 1 June, Time TBC

Walking / Wellbeing Wednesday

Wednesday 7 June, 12 – 12.30pm

Half-hour walk around campus for a spot of fresh air and a chance to leave the desk and worries / daily stresses of life behind for an informal catch-up with supportive group of parents / carers and a chat about your week.

Virtual Network Meeting

Thursday 22 June, 11am – 12pm, MS Teams

Coffee and a Convo (Bring Your Own Lunch)

Wednesday 5 July, 11.30am – 12.15pm

Meet other parents and carers, chat informally. A chance to raise any topics you'd like to be discussed at future meetings: e.g., Managing the summer holidays and/or experiences of transitions to School or Nursery.

Walking / Wellbeing Wednesday

Wednesday 13 September, 12 – 12.30pm

Half-hour walk around campus for a spot of fresh air and a chance to leave the desk and worries / daily stresses of life behind for an informal catch-up with supportive group of parents / carers and a chat about your week.

Virtual Network Meeting

Wednesday 11 October, 11.30am – 12.30pm, MS Teams

Focusing on Carers’ Experiences

LSU Rag Fireworks

Date and time TBC

WP&C pre- event family social. Join us for a pre-display hot chocolate and catch up ahead of LSU Rag’s annual Firework display on campus!

Coffee and a Convo (Bring Your Own Lunch)

Thursday 14 November, 11.30am – 12.15pm

Meet other parents and carers, chat informally. A chance to raise any topics you'd like to be discussed at future meetings: e.g., Hearing from male/non-birthing parents and carers.

New Starters Fair

Date and time TBC

Current members are welcome to come for a coffee and a catch up at our stand at the Fair.

Christmas Family Social

Date and time TBC