The Return to Work Programme supports NHS finance staff who have returned from parental leave within the last 12 months, aiding them in a successful transition back to work and supporting them in the challenges of parenthood.

Applications for our 2026 cohort and now closed.

Key Objectives:

• Build a Support Network: Connect with fellow returnees to create a support system.
• Boost Work Confidence: Reflect on personal strengths and achievements.
• Strategise a Career Path: Delve into contemplation on career goals.
• Update key Skills: Identify areas for improvement and engage in targeted learning.
• Identify Opportunities: Explore potential opportunities aligning with career goals.

The programme creates a supportive community for parents to connect with each other and develop their skills within the workplace. Participants will be able to attend regular development and support sessions on MS Teams.

2026 programme overview 

The programme creates a supportive community for new parents to connect with each other and develop their skills within the workplace. We are co-delivering this with the Midlands Finance Academy and London Finance Academy, so there will be an opportunity to network across regions.

This is delivered through six formal development sessions and informal support check-ins. These sessions will be delivered from May to October 2026.

The development sessions include topics such as: 

• NHS updates: Changes within NHS finance over the last 12 months 
• Return stories: Hearing from colleagues who have returned to work following parental leave 
• Confidence building and setting boundaries 
• Imposter Syndrome 
• Time management 
• Career planning alongside work/life balance 
• Boosting resilience to the emotional impacts of parenthood 
• Health and wellbeing 

The support check-ins do not have a topic, agenda or external speakers. They are designed to create a dedicated space for colleagues returning from parental leave to navigate the post-leave transition together. These sessions provide a supportive and confidential environment, fostering open communication about challenges, successes, and goals. 

The sessions will be booked in advance but will take into account the working patterns and availability of the participants wherever possible. External speaker presentations will be recorded (with permission) for any participants who miss a session. However, all Q&A, discussions, and all check-in sessions will not be recorded due to the personal nature of the content. It is therefore recommended that all participants make themselves available for as many of the sessions as possible. 

On completion of the programme all participants will be offered six hours of online coaching sessions with a qualified coach, funded by the South West Finance Academy. The One NHS Finance Mentoring Service and Sponsorship Programme will also be highlighted to the participants.  

Applications and terms and conditions

The 2026 cohort are now closed, as this programme is currently ongoing.

In order to be allocated a place on the 2026 programme, you must:

• Be working or returning to work in a finance role in the NHS, in the South West region.
• Have returned from parental leave or be planning to return between January 2025 and March 2026.