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Geraldine Gallacher Keynote Speaker

Speaker, podcaster, author and master coach.

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The Parental Fog Index 2026

What employers make visible shapes the talent they keep: Why culture, clarity and trust are crucial.

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The Parental Fog Index 2026 is a benchmark for how visibly employers support working parents and carers. This year we have partnered with Working Families to set the benchmark

What employers make visible about family support shapes who applies, who stays and who feels they belong.

The Parental Fog Index 2026 reveals how clearly the UK’s top graduate employers communicate support for working parents, carers and prospective parents - and where most are still falling short.

Download the report to explore the latest findings, employer ratings and practical guidance for closing the policy-visibility gap.

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Why this report should matter to your organisation

Family-friendly support is no longer a side issue that can be ignored. It is a talent issue.

Today’s employees and candidates expect employers to communicate clear, specific and inclusive support for family life. From parental leave and flexible working to fertility support, neonatal care, carer’s leave and return-to-work support. There is an appetite for broader support than is on offer.

For too many organisations, there is still a gap between what exists internally and what is made visible externally.

The Parental Fog Index 2026 showcases how employers are being seen through the eyes of prospective talent, and what that means for attraction, retention and credibility.

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1. Employee expectations of employers have shifted fundamentally

2. Employees now expect visible support across a broader range of family realities

3. Legislative change has raised the floor, but visibility still lags

4. Candidates judge employers before they apply, and don't feel comfortable asking directly about family support

What's inside this years Parental Fog Index report?

And who has achieved Beacon status?

ECC_Beacon_Black&Colour_Portrait

2026 visibility ratings across 100 top graduate employers
The new 22-point criteria framework
Analysis of Beacon and Fully Visible employers
The biggest policy-visibility gaps across the market
Practical guidance on moving from basic policy communication to best practice
Full methodology, criteria and employer ratings

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Why employers should pay attention

What an employer communicates externally about family support is a highlight of culture.

Candidates absorb these signals before they apply. Employees read them when deciding whether to stay. Where support is unclear, vague or missing, employers risk losing talent they may never know they lost.

Being family-friendly is not simply a wellbeing initiative or a compliance exercise. It's a talent strategy.

Download the Report

Moving from policy to practice

The Parental Fog Index does more than highlight the gaps. It provides a framework for action.

The report shows what good looks like, where employers are falling short, and how organisations can move from basic policy visibility to a more credible, inclusive and competitive employer proposition.

Whether you are reviewing your parental leave offer, strengthening your employer brand, or looking to make support more visible and usable in practice, this report offers a clear benchmark.

Download the Report

Has your organisation ranked Beacon or Fully Visible?

If your organisation has achieved Beacon or Fully Visible in this years report, you can download the Beacon Badge or Fully Visible Badge here.

Your results show that visible, inclusive family support is not a function of sector or budget, but of prioritisation and consideration.

For more asset variations for your comms teams, please email info@executive-coaching.co.uk.

Developing Effective Leaders

Advancing Women in Leadership

Supporting Working Parents

Unlocking Talent

Thriving at Work

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Developing Effective Leaders

Advancing Women in Leadership

Supporting Working Parents

Unlocking Talent

Thriving at Work

Podcast

Newsletters

The Parental Fog Index 2026

What employers make visible shapes the talent they keep: Why culture, clarity and trust are crucial.

9 in 10 working parents say that family leave is a major factor when choosing an employer

The Parental Fog Index 2026 is a benchmark for how visibly employers support working parents and carers. This year we have partnered with Working Families to set the benchmark

Why this report should matter to your organisation

Key takeaways from the report:

1.

Employee expectations of employers have shifted fundamentally

2.

Employees now expect visible support across a broader range of family realities

3.

Legislative change has raised the floor, but visibility still lags

4.

Candidates judge employers before they apply, and don't feel comfortable asking directly about family support

What's inside this years Parental Fog Index report?

And who has achieved Beacon status?

92% of parents say it is important for fathers and partners to take leave in their baby's first year

Why employers should pay attention

Moving from policy to practice

Has your organisation ranked Beacon or Fully Visible?

Download the report

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