Maternity cover / permanent role

[KinderWild]

I am in the third trimester, due to start mat leave very soon.

I work in the civil service for a big government department. I've just heard from my boss, that my director has decided that they won't advertise my role as mat leave cover as they're worried no one will want it on a 12 month basis. Instead they're going to increase head count and create a new role - same responsibilities and grade as mine and recruit into it permanently. On paper that sounds not so bad. As there will be two roles, one (mine) on mat leave and one in post.

But -
1- We are about to go through a restructure - no detail on it yet, but a merger between units and potential efficiencies.

2- I intend to take a year off - I let them know this so they could plan cover. I worry that them having someone doing my job essentially means they won't need me back into this role. The CS is traditionally full of generalists. I work in a professional role but still the overall ethos is you are your grade, and should be able to do any job at that grade, so I'm worried they will just move me into any old job of the same grade on my return.

3 - I have lobbied for more resource in my team/area for years and had the requests declined. So I am nervous that we are suddenly okay to increase headcount, particularly at the time of a restructure.

Is there anything I can do to clarify matters or protect my job before I go on mat leave? My objective is to be able to return to a role doing the same job I do now at the same grade after mat leave.

How well the restructure is done will vary from dept to dept, hopefully they will do it well and you will be OK. If you are on mat leave you should be given priority for the role in a restructure.

Research opting for Shared Parental leave at the 26 week point, returning to work for 2-4 weeks ( 1 week might do it) securing your right to return to your role. Then take the remaining weeks as SPL including remaining statutory pay.

Worst case scenario you may have to exert your rights, so gather evidence now:

• current org chart and headcount I.e without new post
• make sure you have an up to date job description and copies of last years and this years appraisal
• copy of job description and advert for new post
• make sure you are copied in on all correspondence on the restructure whilst on mat leave
• contact your TU - if you are not in one join now.

Also sign up for CS Jobs, so you can see new job opportunities in your field. (fall back position).

Remember restructures in CS can take ages, so they might be still talking about it when you return from mat leave.

Thank you @Margaritatime, this is really, very helpful.