Assumptions and pay data
- GOV.UK, working for HM Prison and Probation Service.
- 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 & WalesHMPPSReviewed 4/9/2026
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Guide for Head of PDU
This guide summarises enhanced maternity and paternity pay that typically applies to Head of PDU under HMPPS pay (Prison & Probation) at Probation & Prisons. Eligibility and exact terms depend on your contract and length of service.
Family leave for Head of PDU
As Head of PDU at Probation & Prisons, enhanced maternity and paternity usually follow Probation and Prisons. Typical enhanced maternity includes 26 weeks at full pay. HMPPS: up to 26 weeks at full pay, then 13 weeks of SMP and 13 weeks unpaid (52 weeks in all). The HMPPS family leave policy sets the service and return-to-work conditions. 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 Head of PDU
Summary based on Probation and Prisons 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.
HMPPS: up to 26 weeks at full pay, then 13 weeks of SMP and 13 weeks unpaid (52 weeks in all). The HMPPS family leave policy sets the service and return-to-work conditions.
Paternity (enhanced)
2 weeks full pay (typical enhanced paternity).
HMPPS: 2 weeks' maternity support (paternity) leave at full pay.
GOV.UK, Working for HMPPS, and the Prison Service employee package (section 4.2, family leave). This covers HMPPS staff in prisons, probation and youth custody. Staff in privately run prisons or council youth offending teams are on their own employer's terms.
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 £61,042 (the bottom of our illustrative Probation Band C range), a week's pay is about £1,174. Weeks 1 to 26 pay full pay, about £1,174 a week (£30,521); weeks 27 to 39 pay SMP, about £194 a week (£2,526). That is about £33,047 over 39 weeks before tax, against £12,752 from SMP alone.
What if I do not qualify?
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).
Can I work during maternity leave?
Yes, up to 10 keeping in touch (KIT) days without ending your leave or losing SMP (GOV.UK).
Do you store my information?
Your calculator inputs and results stay in your browser and are not stored. We only collect your name and email if you choose to give them, for example to download your results or sign up for email updates. We store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. See our privacy policy.
About this role
What is a Head of PDU?
A Head of Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) is a senior Probation Service leader responsible for operational and strategic management of a PDU (formerly Local Delivery Unit). Posts are typically NPS Pay Band C. Our figures are illustrative ranges based on published Justice Jobs advertisements.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Head of PDU roles sit near the top of the Probation Service management structure and involve leadership, resources and partnership working.
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.