This September, the No Kidding support group are holding an event to consider the lived experiences of involuntary childlessness across the lifecourse, including its impact in the workplace. Drawing on research and real-life perspectives, the event 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, non-motherhood/non-fatherhood, 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)
You can sign up for the whole event or either of the two sessions.
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