- FoI Number
- 2025-143
- Subject
- Shared Parental Leave
- Date Received
- 29/05/2025
- Request and Response
-
I am writing to request the following information relating to parental leave under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:
- The total number of employees eligible for shared parental leave (SPL) in each of the past five calendar years (or financial years, if easier to report).
In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested. Eligibility is outlined in Once for Scotland NHS policy.
- The number of employees who applied for, and the number of employees who were approved, shared parental leave in each of those years, along with the length of leave applied for and approved, broken down by: gender; pay band or grade (if possible)
2020 – none
2021 – none
2022 – <5
2023 – none
2024 – <5
- In the same period (broken down by year if possible), the number of employees who took:
- Maternity leave:
2020 – 23
2021 – 20
2022 – 27
2023 – 24
2024 – 24
- Paternity leave
2020 – <5
2021 – none
2022 – none
2023 – <5
2024 – <5
Where we have given <5 answers in this and other question responses, this is because NHS Shetland considers that providing more specific information carries a high risk of identifying individuals. As such and in accordance with FOISA s 16(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it holds the information requested but that it is exempt from disclosure under FOISA s 38(1)(b) as read with s 38 (2A) as the information constitutes personal data and disclosure would breach the confidentiality of the data subjects.
- Any internal policy documents or guidance issued to staff regarding shared parental leave entitlement, including any updates in the past five years.
All in accordance with Once for Scotland Policies
- Any surveys, evaluations, or assessments conducted internally on the take-up or impact of shared parental leave (including barriers to uptake).
Not applicable
- Whether enhanced pay is offered during shared parental leave, and if so, how it compares to maternity and paternity leave packages.
Entitlement for shared parental, maternity and paternity leave is in line with NHS Scotland policy.
