Initial Assessment - Mat Leave

Hmmm, bit of a case by case one this, I think? Wouldn't *blanket* say no (and not just for fairly obvious Protected Characteristic reasons!!!) but, also, is it really the right time for her to do it? Fair chance you'll have to pretty much start again when she comes back in a year anyway (depending on the standard and her background), but if she's a new appointment and it's intrinsic to the role then I think you probably need to deal with it, sort the BIL out, hope she comes back etc.

Thanks for your response.  I think saying to her 'is it really the right time to do it' is what i would like to say but don't want to get ourselves into hot water as she is classed as a 'protected characteristic' and you just never know whether they will return after a BIL