This event will consider lived experiences of involuntary childlessness across the lifecourse, including its impact in the workplace. Drawing on research and real-life perspectives, we will reflect on key questions, such as:
- What does research tell us about the impacts of childlessness across a lifetime?
- How can we build a workplace where staff feel included and supported?
- How can managers and colleagues feel more confident in supporting each other?
Who should attend
This event is open to all staff and will be particularly valuable for:
- Line managers and team leaders, to support and lead your teams with confidence and compassion
- Staff with lived experience of childlessness, to hear about research, shared experiences and available support at the University
- Staff who want to build awareness and understanding, to better support colleagues, friends or family members
- Staff with a research interest in childlessness or related areas, including reproductive disruption, nonmotherhood/nonfatherhood, loss and grief, and ageing without children
Event details
Date: 16 September 2026
Location: 10 West, 2.45 (please note, this is an in person event)
Time: 14.00 to 17.00 (whole event)
14.00 to 15.30 (session one), 15.30 to 17.00 (session two)
Event programme
Session one: Childless Not By Choice – reflections across the lifecourse
What this session will cover:
- Supporting childlessness in the workplace at the University of Bath
- Guest lecture – Professor Gayle Letherby, Honorary/Visiting Professor, Universities of Plymouth, Greenwich and Bath (Centre for Death and Society)
- Refreshments and informal networking
Session two: Exploring where policy and guidance meet workplace experiences
What this session will cover:
- A discussion session exploring how policy and guidance align with lived experiences in the workplace
- Reflecting on newly developed University of Bath policies and how we can continue to foster a culture of compassionate and inclusive leadership, with a strong focus on wellbeing