Assumptions and pay data
- GOV.UK guidance for civil servants: most are eligible for 26 weeks' maternity leave at full pay and full pay during paternity leave. Each department publishes its own policy and service rules.
- Bodies outside the civil service set their own family leave terms, which may differ.
- Pound figures use the pay shown and 2026/27 SMP of £194.32 a week; they are gross, before tax and pension.
Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Calculator
England (primary coverage)Confirm with your employerReviewed 4/9/2026
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Guide for Director
This guide summarises enhanced maternity and paternity pay that typically applies to Director under Civil Service pay structure at Arm's Length Bodies. Eligibility and exact terms depend on your contract and length of service.
Family leave for Director
As Director at Arm's Length Bodies, enhanced maternity and paternity usually follow Civil Service. Typical enhanced maternity includes 26 weeks at full pay. Many departments: 26 weeks full pay (less SMP), then SMP to 39 weeks. Or similar. Check department. Enhanced paternity is often 2 weeks' full pay, subject to eligibility and notice rules. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) are legal minimums; occupational schemes may top up or run alongside them.
Eligibility and service
Enhanced schemes often require continuous service (commonly 12 months at the qualifying week). Return-to-work conditions and Keeping in Touch (KIT) days vary. Always read your contract and HR policy.
Shared parental leave
Shared parental leave and pay have separate rules. This page focuses on maternity and paternity; ask your employer about SPL if you plan to share leave.
Typical entitlement for Director
Summary based on Civil Service terms. Your contract may differ.
Maternity (enhanced)
26 weeks full pay. Then Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance where eligible, up to 52 weeks total leave.
Many departments: 26 weeks full pay (less SMP), then SMP to 39 weeks. Or similar. Check department.
Paternity (enhanced)
2 weeks full pay (typical enhanced paternity).
Typically 2 weeks' full pay. Shared parental: department policy.
Delegated; varies by department. Check intranet/HR.
Statutory minimums are set in law (SMP, SPP). Enhanced pay is what your employer offers on top of or instead of part of the statutory amount, depending on scheme rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much maternity pay would that be?
On £79,374 (the bottom of our illustrative SCS range), a week's pay is about £1,526. Weeks 1 to 26 pay full pay, about £1,526 a week (£39,687); weeks 27 to 39 pay SMP, about £194 a week (£2,526). That is about £42,213 over 39 weeks before tax, against £14,655 from SMP alone.
What if I do not qualify for the occupational scheme?
You get the legal minimum instead. SMP needs 26 weeks with your employer by the 15th week before the baby is due and average earnings of at least £129 a week; without it you may get Maternity Allowance instead (GOV.UK).
What do partners get?
Most civil servants get full pay during paternity leave. Without the occupational scheme, the minimum applies: Statutory Paternity Pay is £194.32 a week, or 90% of average earnings if lower, for up to 2 weeks, after 26 weeks with the employer; the leave itself is a right from day one (GOV.UK).
Can I work during maternity leave?
Yes, up to 10 keeping in touch (KIT) days without ending your leave or losing SMP (GOV.UK).
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About this role
What is a Director?
A Director in an arm’s length body leads a function or the body. Pay is typically on SCS or senior management scales.
Typical demands, progression and balance
ALB director roles offer strategic impact. Pay and satisfaction depend on body and remit. Progression to CEO or larger body is common.
What enhanced maternity or paternity pay do I get?
Many public sector employers offer enhanced pay on top of statutory maternity or paternity pay. Use the calculator above to see typical entitlement for your sector. Check your employer and contract for exact terms.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.