It’s National Adoption Week and we’re proud to be an Adoption Friendly Employer. We recognise that the adoption journey can be life-changing, exciting and rewarding. At the same time, the process can be challenging, and we want our colleagues feel fully supported. Leon, a Vulnerable Customer Claims Lead in our UK business shares some insight into his experience of adoption for same sex couples and the support he received.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your career at Admiral?
My Admiral journey started in 2003, when we only insured cars and Yellow Pages was a thing. I began my career in Teleclaims and I’ve had the pleasure of working in many interesting roles, alongside some great people ever since, E-Claims, Underwriting, Non- Fault and Diverse to name a few. Today I’m privileged as I get to do what I do best and that is leading vulnerable customers across all Claim’s areas within the UK insurance business, under the remit of our Customer and Conduct department, while at the same time lead our Diversity & Inclusion LGBTQ workstream. I'm passionate about supporting all areas of the business when it comes to our customers and our people.
Can you share some insight on your adoption journey? What kind of support was offered to you at work? Did you find it beneficial?
I always knew I wanted kids. My husband Mark was the same and we decided that we wanted to adopt. We chose adoption as that made us both equal from the offset and took us on the same journey together, which was a roller coaster.
Telling my managers at the time was daunting, and I questioned how they would react. I was greeted with so much positivity it was unbelievable to be honest. I was treated the same way as all my heterosexual colleagues, and Admiral fully supported my journey.
The adoption-journey took a while, initial qualifying meetings, through to matching meetings and then on to introduction meetings. I recall being let down as the adoption was paused, the feeling of dread I had was overwhelming. My manager was so supportive, I couldn’t have asked for more. They even checked in on my partner, through me of course, which was nice as it showed they cared for me and my soon to be family, from the outset.
What advice would you provide to someone thinking of adopting?
Go for it, it’s hard and mentally draining but so rewarding and fulfilling. You'll have ups and downs and feel all over the place. The adoption world is full of support and its formed friendships that will last a lifetime. Our twins are ours and are loved more than anything. People often say they are so lucky to have been placed with us, but we are the lucky ones to have been blessed with them.
