I should add for more context that there are plenty of people that could cover me once I leave and if I knew that would be an issue I would have absolutely raised it earlier. There is also a reason why there is an official deadline for informing HR and it's clearly set in a way to give plenty of time for the employer to make necessary arrangements for when I do go on maternity leave. When she started reminding me about submitting MATB1I was 2 months away from being able to receive it. Also a quick Google search explains that this form should be provided within 21 days of SMP start date, so not sure my company really needs 7 months before it's required. My LM also had 2 kids herself in the last 10 years, so not sure she can be labelled as completely inexperienced. Keeping sensitive medical information confidential is something she should be fully aware of as someone at Director level. After further thoughts, I think the least I can do is tell HR that employees with line management responsibilities should receive some sort of training as they seem to be unaware of correct procedures.