Being involved in re-organisation discussions during maternity leave

[PogoBob]

Hopefully this will make sense.

I'm due to be on maternity leave from this Dec through to Oct 13. Arrangements are already being made about cover and I know who is most likely to cover my role.

Whilst I am on leave there is going to be changes in the the team, some work is transferring to another department / ending, an member is retiring and new work will be coming to us.

Is it reasonable of me to ask that I am involved in any discussions regarding the future of the team rather than my cover? I'm the deputy team leader and from what I know of the changes so far there could be quite comprehensive changes for my role.

I don't have a problem with the changes in principle or my cover also inputting to the discussion (they previously did my role so have experience). My concern is that their interest is in a very different area to mine so they're likely to steer the role in a direction I'm not keen on!

TIA

That seems perfectly reasonable to me, and exactly what keeping in touch days are designed for. I would speak to your manager about it, and get it agreed in advance that you are to be involved.

Thanks, I suspect my boss will be perfectly fine with it.

I was just a little worried I was being unreasonable. I only started the job earlier this year taking over from the person who is actually providing my cover and had been doing the job for years (they don't like their new job so are at a loose end).

It's still your substantive post so I wouldn't worry. When I was on mat leave I had it agreed that I would be involved in any recruitment relating to my team through KIT days. This is the same sort of thing as it will have a longer term impact on you when you return and anything that is going to have such a significant impact should (in my opinion) involve the manager. Hopefully your manager will agree. Good luck.

Thanks jammiecat

Yes, I have someone out on mat leave at the moment, and took it for granted that we would involve her in discussions about a reorganisation that we're discussing. Obviously, it's for her to decide how much involvement, but I would be loathe to do it without any input from her at all. Her cover will also feed into the process.

Just ask - I'm sure it won't be a problem!