Why the Summit Wasn’t Just Symbolic
A louder voice for dads
At its core, the summit was a push for fathers (and non-birthing parents) to be more visible and vocal about their caring roles — to “parent out loud.” The event was organised by the network 'Parenting Out Loud' founded by Elliott Rae and encouraged men to treat caregiving as part of their identity, not something they must hide or downplay.
Speakers urged dads to take the full parental leave they’re entitled to, be transparent about childcare in work calendars, and normalise missing meetings for pickup, drop-off or caring responsibilities. (The Guardian 2025)
Spotlight on a broken system
One of the key critiques highlighted was the UK’s current parental/paternity leave setup. The country ranks 40th out of 43 OECD nations in terms of paternity leave generosity — a statistic repeatedly cited during the summit. (The Guardian 2025)
Currently, fathers (or non-birthing parents) are legally entitled to just two weeks’ statutory paternity leave, paid at a flat rate of £187.18 per week (or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower). (The Guardian 2025) That’s a minimal offer in global comparison — and for many families, financial barriers or workplace culture discourage taking even that.
Much of the summit’s energy was directed toward pushing the government to go beyond minor tweaks and deliver real reform — not just for mothers, but for all parents.
Shifting workplace culture — not just policy
One recurring theme was that policy on its own isn’t enough. The summit organised by Elliott Rae emphasised culture change in organisations — so that fathers feel safe and supported in using leave, flexible work, or caring commitments without penalty or stigma.
For example, at least 165 UK employers are now offering equal parental leave (i.e. the same leave policies to all parents, regardless of gender or birth role). Some of these policies offer up to 20 weeks of leave on full pay (Personnel Today 2025). The summit used this as a proof point: change is possible, but it requires both policy and cultural shift.
What This Means for Expectant and New Parents
If you or your partner is expecting, or planning family leave in future, here are some key takeaways and actions to consider:
- Know your rights — and what’s negotiable
Statutory rights in the UK are limited (2 weeks for paternity, shared parental leave, etc.), but many organisations now offer enhanced/“equal parental leave” schemes. Check your employer policies or HR offerings.
The Personnel Today list of 165 employers with equal parental leave is a helpful resource. - Have early conversations at work
If you intend to make use of leave or flexibility, be open (when feasible) with your manager about your intentions. Normalising this from the start helps reduce stigma later on. - Use leave fully if possible
Because the statutory provision is limited, every day counts. If you qualify and your workplace allows, taking the available leave (or enhanced leave) sets precedents — for you and for other parents who follow. - Support cultural change in your workplace
Simple steps like logging family commitments in calendars, mentoring others, or sharing your experience can help shape a more inclusive environment. - Watch government developments
The UK government has launched a review of parental leave and pay, with an eye toward greater flexibility and fairness. Also, the Labour government’s Employment Rights Bill had promised “day one” parental leave rights — though critics argue it’s falling short, especially regarding statutory pay from day one. (The Guardian, 2025)
What’s Next on the Agenda
- Legislative reform: The summit adds pressure to push beyond “tinkering” toward structural change in parental leave rights.
- Uptake and enforcement: Even better policies won’t matter if fathers don’t feel safe using them — uptake must improve.
- More employer leadership: Businesses that pioneer inclusive leave and caring culture will become benchmarks for others.
- Raising awareness: As more fathers speak publicly, social norms around fatherhood and workplace care may evolve.
Final Thought
Yesterday's summit wasn’t just a gathering — it was a signal: we’re entering a new phase of the parenting conversation in the UK. One where fathers’ roles are less invisible, where parental leave isn’t just an afterthought, and where family equality becomes not just legal, but cultural.
If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), you probably know that there are certain foods and nutrients that become especially important once you’re pregnant. But nutrition plays a vital role even when trying to conceive, much like laying a strong foundation before constructing a house.
Certain nutrients create that foundation by supporting egg and sperm health (yes, nutrition matters for both partners), hormone balance and creating a hospitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant. In fact, studies show that certain nutrients can help increase fertility and improve success rates for both natural conception and fertility treatments.
In other words, nutrition is a key player in the TTC journey, but getting the right nutrients in the right quantities can be tricky. That’s where supplements come in. Just as you’d take a multivitamin to fill in nutritional gaps for optimal health, fertility supplements can give you that extra nutrient boost.
Choosing supplements for your fertility journey
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
