Return from maternity leave

[Sleepysailor]

Wise mumsnet, can you advise on this situation?
Small team of 6, managed by a senior manager (me), one about to return from maternity leave and agreed with HR on the return date. I have been notified that she will discuss all the details with one of the directors I.e. flexible working request.
How would you feel in this situation? What would a normal procedure be in your company?

When I returned to work and put in a flexible working request (slight adjustment to shift times for childcare reasons) I discussed it with the genaral manager at our location rather than my line manager. My line manager did not have discretion to approve or deny such requests as it wouldn't just affect their team. Could it be the same here? Or is it a financial/staffing decision above your grade?

Decision to approve or reject flexible working request is in the hands of HR only. I have also been covering this person’s workload while she’s been off and will have to plan for her return to work and plan workloads for the whole team.

It would be head of department level decision in our company so sounds fine to me.

Head of department for me too

I think in your situation I'd expect to be informed but not involved in the decision making as such. You should discuss any adverse affect on you or your team with the Director and HR if necessary

Thanks all! It’s reassuring 🙂