Oakland Everything Data, a Leeds-based data consultancy, has become only the third organisation in the UK to achieve the Careers After Babies Accreditation, highlighting its strong commitment to supporting working parents and creating a truly inclusive workplace.
The recognition follows a series of recent achievements for the firms people policies, including being named the 3rd Best Consultancy to Work For in the UK, as well as the 13th Best Small Company nationally and 7th in Yorkshire by Best Companies.
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and Oakland, which was acquired by Softcat in 2025, recognises the importance of offering meaningful, practical support throughout every stage of that journey. This accreditation reflects the company’s belief that professional development and family life should complement one another, not compete.
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The Careers After Babies accreditation acknowledges Oakland’s approach to parental support, which includes:
- Clear guidance for remote and hybrid working
- Flexible working arrangements
- A structured re-onboarding programme for returning parents
- Dedicated private spaces for breastfeeding and pumping
- Open conversations about family life led by senior leaders through internal communications
- Enhanced paternity leave
- A family and careers group for shared support and advice
- Independent coaching support for all colleagues
Samantha Fearnley, head of people at Oakland, said: “Consulting isn’t always a nine-to-five job, and supporting working parents can be a real challenge. Achieving the Careers After Babies certification means a great deal to us, as it recognises our ongoing commitment to creating a genuinely inclusive and supportive workplace for parents.
“At Oakland Everything Data, we believe no one should have to choose between building a career and raising a family. This accreditation reassures our current and future colleagues that we are serious about fostering a culture where parents feel valued and supported.”
Sarah Cragg, client engagement manager at Oakland, added: “As a solo-parent during the week, I often face the internal dilemma of how to juggle work commitments and parenting during those scenarios when life isn’t exactly going to plan. I am so thankful to work for a company that really does care and understand what it’s like to be a parent – and not just a new parent – offering the support and flexibility to be able to do both the paid job and the unpaid job”
