Can I undertake work experience whilst on maternity leave?

[prettyinpink90]

I have been considering retraining for a career in HR for a while and have recently decided that this is definitely the path i want to follow.
I am currently on maternity leave receiving SMP and considering either applying for entry level HR roles instead of returning to my current role or studying part time alongside my current role.
I have a good admin background but have no HR experience so was wondering if I would be able to write to companies and ask if they would be willing to allow me to undertake some unpaid work experience in their HR department whilst still on maternity leave.
Would this be allowed?

I would have thought it would be fine - don't think there's anything in law to stop you doing voluntary work while on maternity leave. It's not as if you'd be profiting from it (at least not in the short term).

Although someone who knows more about these matters may be along to correct me shortly...

Your SMP wouldn't be impacted but that's not to say your employer would allow it. Check your contract and/or handbook to see if there are any restrictions about activities outside work. It may be voluntary but it would still be working for someone else so you need to be sure it wouldn't be a problem.

What about a bit of unpaid shadowing/experience in the HR department where you currently work?

Even though you are on maternity leave you are still an employee so your company could take a very dim view of this without prior permission - potential conflict of interest.

I would be surprised if any of the companies agreed to this as it is effectively letting an employee from another company into a department which deals with very sensitive and confidential information.

You need to check your contract, when I as employed I couldn't work for anyone else without permission and this included on mat leave.