Last year, one of Britain’s leading companies, Deloitte, announced a new policy to give all new fathers a minimum of six months off work. The company hoped this would increase its number of female partners.
This week, it’s been revealed that through the Royal Foundation Business Taskforce on Early Childhood, Kate Middleton had played a considerable role in urging the multi-national to invest in the new paternity leave package, which came into effect from January this year.
Through her advocacy work in reshaping attitudes towards early childhood, the Princess of Wales has been encouraging business leaders to support new parents and learn about critical importance of the first five years of a child’s life.
Deloitte is one of the members of the Royal Foundation Business Taskforce on Early Childhood, which was established in March 2023. Other members of the taskforce include Aviva, The Lego Group, The Co-operative Group, Iceland Foods, IKEA UK and Ireland, The Lego Group, NatWest Group and Unilever UK.
In the UK, new fathers are entitled to at least two weeks’ paid parental leave, while mothers are granted up to a year. In Australia, fathers can now access a shared paid parental leave system under the Australian Government’s Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme, giving them access to up to 20 weeks of paid leave per family (rising to 26 weeks by July 2026).
Last year, the taskforce published a report (produced by Deloitte) suggesting that supporting children and their caregivers could lead to £45.5 billion (AUD$86.9 billion) in value added for the national economy each year.
It also found that the UK economy could benefit up to £12.2 billion ($23.3 billion) from “equipping people with improved social and emotional skills in early childhood”.
A further $33.5 billion could be added to the economy by “reducing the need to spend public funds on remedial steps for adverse childhood experiences” and $32.8 billion from “supporting parents and caregivers of under-fives”.
The taskforce has now revealed the projects delivered by its several members, including funding for over 1,300 early childhood teachers to undertake the National Professional Qualifications, and more than 130 apprenticeships for health visitors, nursery nurses and midwives.
Ikea launched a product range that raises money for baby banks while Iceland Foods has created “emoji posters” to help young children communicate. Lego donated 3,000 Education Build Me “Emotions” building sets to early years providers across the UK to help “children to explore emotions in a fun and engaging way.”
National Westminster Bank pledged to extend its target to $520 million after increasing lending for early years providers to $191 million, while insurance company Aviva will release a series of short films to help its employees feel more supported in the workplace.
Retail collective The Co-operative Group is developing assets for its members built to improve understanding of how to nurture social and emotional development in young children.
The Royal Foundation said the various initiatives would “support families and create a happier, healthier society”.
Sir Ron Kalifa, the chairman of The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, said he felt “deep pride” in its members for displaying leadership and rising to the challenge.
“Their efforts have made a real, tangible difference in the lives of countless families with young children,” he told The Telegraph.
“This is only the beginning of what’s possible. The road ahead is bursting with potential. By continuing to work hand-in-hand, we have the chance to reimagine the role of business in society – not just as engines of economic activity, but as champions of childhood, wellbeing and long-term societal health.”
Image credit: Shutterstock
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