How employers support people through pregnancy, parental leave and the transition back to work could play an important role in helping businesses retain talent and improve productivity, according to a panel discussion taking place in Cardiff this month.
Women in Public Affairs Cymru will bring together voices from Welsh politics, skills and employment, business and communications to explore what meaningful support for working parents looks like in practice.
The event takes place in Cardiff on Thursday 22 October 2026 at 1pm and will consider the experience of becoming a parent while building a career, as well as what employers can do to support people before, during and after parental leave.
To join the discussion and register, RSVP here.
The panel will feature:
- Sarah Rees MS, Member of the Senedd
- Michelle Matheron, Director, Learning and Work Institute
- Katie Spackman, Deputy Director, CBI Wales
- Daniel Taylor, Cadno Communications
The discussion will look at the potential benefits of getting this transition right for both employees and employers, from retaining experienced staff and supporting career progression to attracting talent and creating workplaces where people can continue to contribute.
The panel will explore:
- What meaningful support for working parents looks like in practice
- The experience of becoming a parent while building a career
- How employers can support people before, during and after parental leave
- The potential impact on recruitment and staff retention
- The role of workplace culture
- What supporting working parents could mean for productivity and business performance
The event follows the launch of the WiPA 2026 Parental Leave Guide and provides an opportunity to explore how its themes translate into the workplace and wider Welsh business environment.
Women in Public Affairs Cymru said:
“Following the launch of our 2026 Parental Leave Guide, we wanted to bring the conversation to life in Wales and explore what meaningful support for working parents looks like in practice. With the wider productivity debate and the challenge of attracting and retaining talent, there is a strong business case for getting this right. Ultimately, it’s about creating workplaces where people and businesses can thrive.”
The event is open to everyone, parents and non-parents, employers and employees, and will include an opportunity to network, share experiences and continue the conversation beyond the panel.
Event: Thursday 22 October 2026, 1pm, Cardiff
