Maternity cover - who's responsibility?

[Alexandra6]

Hi, just wondered if it's up to you or the employer to source your maternity cover - or both? My agency is small and I have a feeling they will want me to be very involved in organising the cover if not responsible for it and just wanted to check if that should be my role or not? Thanks!

[TimeIsACurrency]

I don't know anyone who's had to help find their own mat cover (unless that was part of their usual role)! Never heard of it!

[doublecakeplease]

I think it's your employers responsibility but if you're planning on going back you should try to get involved so that the person they hire is someone you think will be easy to hand over to, will do the job properly and will hand back professionally.

[MortifiedAdams]

I didnt have to find my cover, but I work trialled the two potentials and made the final decision (my boss would have picked if I couldnt).

[Alexandra6]

My agency is literally teeny so we end up doing all sorts in terms of running the business, and whilst I don't usually mind helping, I just want to know whether it's something I need to worry about as my responsibility. Doesn't sound like it is something I should worry about though.

[MsPickle]

A friend of mine chose hers, very good idea as she'll be managing them on her return when they stop acting up into her role. I've recruited several times for people handling their own cover recruitment, I wouldn't say it's very unusual. Whether someone is appointed/performs well etc is generally the responsibility of their manager as normal.

[Alexandra6]

Sorry cross post thanks double and mortified - so sounds like I don't stress about it, but when I have time on top of my usual workload, I'll help as it's good to have someone there. I'm not sure I can go back financially but would be good to leave things in good hands in case.

[DuelingFanjo]

They should employ them, you might need to train them or do a hand-over. it's not unreasonable for them to ask you to sit in on the interviews or look through the applications but it shouldn't be your responsibility to employ them unless you are in HR?

[flowery]

Depends what your job is normally. If you are usually heavily involved in recruitment, then asking you to recruit for this role is no different, although obviously you shouldn't be making the decision.

We can't tell you what your job consists of or should consist of. If you know nothing about recruitment and don't feel comfortable doing it, you need to make that clear to your boss.

[Alexandra6]

Nope not HR...no HR department though!

[AndBingoWasHisNameOh]

I sorted my own maternity cover and in practice made the decision who to hire although technically I "recommended" them and my boss them appointed them