Fertility Treatment Guidance
Guidance Snapshot
- The University is dedicated to fostering a supportive and compassionate environment for all staff. We understand the physical and emotional challenges that fertility treatments can bring and are committed to offering understanding and support for those undergoing fertility treatment.
- This guidance covers time off for the purpose of receiving and recovering from the physical and emotional effects of fertility treatment and time off for colleagues to attend (or accompany their partner/surrogate to) appointments specifically connected to the process.
1. Introduction
The University is committed to promoting the wellbeing of all colleagues by maintaining a safe, healthy, and inclusive working environment. Recognising that experiences such as fertility challenges can profoundly affect physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing, the University is committed to cultivating a culture of empathy, support, and understanding for all colleagues undergoing fertility treatment.
This guidance covers time off for the purpose of receiving and recovering from the physical and emotional effects of fertility treatment and to attend or accompany partners/surrogates to appointments specifically connected to the process.
This guidance aims to be inclusive of everyone regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship status, age and family structure.
2. Understanding Fertility Treatment
Every individual’s experience with fertility treatment is unique, and we understand that the physical, emotional, and mental impacts can vary widely. Recognising these differences and allowing space for self-care, flexibility, and support is hugely important for anyone undergoing treatment. This guidance aims to support colleagues undertaking treatment and help make it more manageable.
Fertility treatment(s) can include:
- any form of assisted reproduction carried out by a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse (for example in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI))
- any treatment carried out by a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse for the purpose of preserving fertility (for example freezing eggs, sperm, embryos or reproductive tissue)
- any medical examination or treatment in connection with the treatment mentioned above (for example blood tests, ultrasound scans, egg collection, sperm collection, embryo transfer).
3. Telling your manager
Although not mandatory, colleagues are encouraged to talk with their manager as soon as they find out when their treatment, or their partner’s treatment; has been approved and if colleagues envisage a need for time off work or support at work. Managers should handle matters in a sensitive way and treat this update confidentially. Where colleagues have received advice that adjustments are needed to their work duties or pattern while undergoing treatment, they should speak with their manager about possible adjustments to their work. Managers can also consider other support measures such as locating a fridge for medication, providing a quiet space to inject and to take private and sensitive calls or allowing colleagues to take short notice calls from their clinic.
4. Fertility Treatment Support
This guidance applies to all colleagues employed at the University, irrespective of the type of contract they are employed on.
The University recognises that colleagues will need to attend regular appointments when undergoing fertility treatment, and which may often be scheduled at short notice and be conducted over an undetermined amount of time. Appointments may include procedures that are emotionally and physically exhausting.
The University provides the following support for colleagues going through the following stages of the process:
Investigations:
Investigations relating to infertility and consultations for exploring treatment options should be considered as medical appointments. Colleagues will be provided time off to attend such appointments. Managers should aim to accommodate a degree of flexibility to support colleagues. For example, paid time off for appointments may be granted with the understanding that the time will be made up later. Wherever possible, colleagues are encouraged to schedule appointments at times that minimise disruption to the workday.
Treatment:
The University offers the following paid leave to support colleagues undergoing fertility treatment and their partners:
- Colleagues receiving treatment: up to 5 days paid leave per 12-month period, for a maximum of 3 treatment cycles.
- Partner*: up to 2 days of paid leave per 12-month period, to provide support during treatment, for a maximum of 3 cycles.
* In surrogacy cases, this refers to the intended parent.
If a colleague exhausts the time off provided under this guidance, they may request additional leave such as annual leave, unpaid leave, or the University may consider flexible working arrangements to facilitate further treatment, subject to the operational needs of the University.
Colleagues should discuss and agree any additional leave with their manager.
5. Working Flexibly
Colleagues undergoing fertility treatment, may, during the course of treatment, or following the completion of a treatment cycle, benefit from temporary flexible working arrangements, such as; hybrid working or changing start and finish times, lighter duties or additional check in’s with their line manager. Colleagues can access further guidance on transitioning back to work.
Where colleagues feel that a temporary change to their working arrangements would support them during their treatment, they are encouraged to discuss this with their line manager. Together, they can explore and agree on suitable arrangements in accordance with section 5.5 Informal Requests of the University’s Flexible Working Policy.
Managers are encouraged to accommodate these temporary flexible working requests wherever feasible, balancing the needs of the colleague with operational requirements. These arrangements should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and supportive throughout the treatment process.
6. Sickness due to treatment
There may be times during the course of fertility treatment when colleagues may be unwell. There is no expectation on colleagues to work if unwell because of the side effects related to fertility treatment.
Colleagues who are unwell and unable to work because of the side effects related to fertility treatment should report their absence in accordance with the University’s Managing Attendance Policy, however; absences related to the side effects of fertility treatment will not be considered in the review of sickness absence review points.
7. Implantation and Antenatal Rights
From the point of implantation of a fertilised ova, colleagues are considered pregnant and therefore have equivalent statutory rights to any other pregnant person and are entitled to paid time off for antenatal appointments. For further information, please refer to our Maternity leave policy.
Partners of pregnant colleagues also have rights to attend antenatal appointments as detailed in Section 10 – Partners Rights During Pregnancy/Maternity Leave.
In surrogacy cases, the intended parent can attend antenatal appointments and are entitled to unpaid time off work to attend up to two antenatal appointments with the surrogate.
8. Unsuccessful treatment & baby loss
The loss of a baby is devastating at any stage of pregnancy and people experiencing unsuccessful treatment or baby loss can feel this in profoundly different ways. For many, it represents the loss of a baby, regardless of how early it occurs. Thoughtful support and sensitive management can significantly help colleagues navigate their grief and recovery. Conversely, a lack understanding or appropriate care may negatively impact a person’s health or recovery.
Acknowledging that pregnancy loss or unsuccessful fertility treatment can deeply affect not only the individual receiving the treatment but also their partner/support persons/intended parent in cases of surrogacy and giving recognition of their experiences ensures that all those affected feel seen and supported. In cases where fertility treatment is unsuccessful, colleagues are still protected by law against pregnancy discrimination for two weeks following a negative pregnancy test. During this time, colleagues may also find it helpful to refer to the University’s baby loss guidance.
9. Requesting Fertility Treatment Leave
Requests for fertility treatment leave will be treated in the strictest confidence and should be requested via People XD.
10. Support Resources
We recognise that fertility treatment can be an emotionally and physically demanding experience. The journey is deeply personal, and everyone responds to it in their own way and at their own pace.
We are committed to fostering a compassionate and supportive environment where colleagues feel seen, heard, and understood. Emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health, and we encourage colleagues to prioritise their mental health and seek the support they need throughout this time.
Requesting support
General enquiries related to this guidance or options for support can be submitted via the People & OD Helpdesk or alternatively colleagues can contact their local People and OD Partners for information and guidance.
Occupational Health Service
Occupational Health provide an advisory service regarding fitness for work to colleagues and line managers. Where there are concerns that work could be affecting a member of staff's health or that a health concern could be affecting a colleagues ability to do their job, advice and assistance in managing such concerns effectively can be obtained through a referral to Occupational Health.
It is not the purpose of Occupational Health to provide diagnosis or treatment, but to provide support to employees, to interpret medical information and to present it to managers in a useful way that allows them to consider work-related issues such as timescales of absences or adjustments which may be required to support colleagues in their place of work.
For more information on Occupational Health service, including how to make a referral, please visit their webpages University of Glasgow - MyGlasgow - Occupational Health Unit
Employee Assistance Programme
Help and support is also available through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Our EAP provides free and confidential support to all University of Glasgow colleagues and their immediate family members. Support and advice is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The EAP provides a support network that offers expert advice and compassionate guidance 24/7, covering a wide range of issues helping colleagues through challenging periods either at work and home.
To access this service call 0800 028 0199.
Wisdom App
Wisdom provides an enhanced set of wellbeing tools and engaging features to support wellbeing and wellness. The features are designed to improve the user’s mental and physical health by using personal metrics to set goals and achievements, which include, interactive mood trackers, four-week plans, mini health checks, personalised wellbeing contact, access to their helpline 24/7, 365 days a year and the live chat feature allows colleagues to contact a wellbeing counsellor using live messaging and video calls. Download the app via the app store or google play store and enter unique code: MHA23726.
External sources of help
There are various organisations that provide help and support to those who are undergoing fertility treatment, including:
- Fertility Network UK, which provides a wide range of resources for those affected by infertility;
- British Infertility Counselling Association, which provides information about specialist fertility counsellors; and
- Fertility Friends Support Forum, which is a forum community dedicated to infertility and fertility support.
11. Related Policies
The following policies may also provide helpful information:
Annual Leave & Time off Policies
Transitioning back to work after treatment guidance
Emergency Time Off to Care for Dependants
Maternity Pay Calculator (for employees)
Maternity Cost Calculator (for managers)
Further information on maternity allowance and benefits can be viewed on the Direct Gov website at: Expecting or bringing up children - benefits
12. Document Control
- Document Control
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Document Control |
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Policy name |
Fertility Treatment Guidance |
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Approved by |
Policy Review Group |
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Implementation date |
July 2025 |
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Last reviewed |
- |
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Owner |
People & OD, Policy and ER |