Programme overview
The Return to Work Programme supports NHS finance staff who have returned from parental leave, aiding them in a successful transition back to work and supporting them in the challenges of parenthood.
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 monthly development and support check-in sessions on MS Teams. The sessions will be booked in advance but will take into account the working patterns and availability of the participants wherever possible.
On completion of the programme all participants will be offered six hours of online coaching sessions with a qualified coach, funded by the Midlands Finance Academy.
Development sessions
The development sessions are one-hour and 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
External speaker presentations will be recorded (with permission) for any participants who miss a session.
Support check-in sessions
The support check-in sessions are 30-minutes and do not have a formal agenda – they are designed to create a dedicated and confidential space for colleagues returning from parental leave to navigate the post-leave transition together.
The support-check ins will be facilitated by a professional coach to provide a supportive and confidential environment, fostering open communication about challenges, successes, and goals.
These sessions are not recorded and operate under Chatham House Rules.
2026 programme
The 2026 programme will run from May to November 2026, with no sessions running during the month of August.
Application process
Applications are open for the 2026 cohort, and will close on Friday 17th April 2026. 10 places are available and the programme is open to all bands.
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 Midlands region.
- Have returned from parental leave or be planning to return between 1st January 2025 and 1st April 2026.
How do I apply?
Complete the form on the link below
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 1 April 2026. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Apply hereTestimonials from the 2025 Midlands cohort
“Honestly, all of the sessions were beneficial to me. They all gave good insight into those subjects which we all experience when returning from maternity leave. I especially appreciated the ‘setting boundaries’ session as this is something I struggle with a lot personally. As well as the Career Planning session, as it was a good reminder that my career is still important, despite being a mother.”
“I found this course really useful and comforting on my return to work from maternity leave to hear other people’s experiences and knowing that I was not alone in these feelings. It also has given me tools and techniques to hopefully manage the work life balance more. It was also useful to hear the return to work stories of people who are further down the line. I would recommend to anyone returning to work from parental leave.”
“I really enjoyed all the topics and to get to meet fellow mums in the NHS who are navigating the return to such a busy/volatile environment. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to participate in this programme, thanks!”
“Just a thank you, it was comforting to know this support was there on my return and having conversations with people who were going through the same thing and/or were there to support on other elements of development/return.”
If you have any questions regarding the programme, please email becky.jenvey@hfma.org.uk