Looking to return to work after a career break?

Making Work Work – for Women Returners is the Challenges Group's award-winning women returners programme

About The Programme

Making Work Work – for Women Returners is the Challenges Group's award-winning women returners programme, co-designed and Programme Managed by Lynn Houmdi, Scotland's Flex Influencer 2022. We are delighted to have successfully won funding to support even more women in 2022/23 to make work work.

The programme seeks women in Scotland looking to step back into the workplace and who face difficulties in finding work that fits with all the commitments and fun of life following a career break (e.g. for maternity, caring, health issues / disability, redundancy, relocation or other reasons).

We are looking for women who have management experience or aspirations from across Scotland to take part in a peer-led skills refresher programme which will facilitate the confidence and networks essential to finding work commensurate with their skills, ambitions and potential.

Don't worry if you have not had management experience - this will not exclude you from the programme. However, you need to be willing to learn about management and leadership skills - either for your next role or a future one.

Participants also get support with their job search, personal development and designing their (work)life blend.

We'd like to thank zutto.co.uk for the creation of this video!

Boost work-related skills in management & leadership

Our programme is designed to equip you with the skills you'll need to return to work in a management or leadership role or progress towards one.

Build confidence in your skills & abilities

Working with our facilitators and other participants, you'll build your confidence and refresh your transferable skills, whether you seek employment or want to start a business.

Expand your network to support your job search

Through the Making Work Work team and our programme of masterclasses, you will build a network of support and opportunities for your future career.

Gain knowledge & develop strategies for job search and (work)life blend

Returning to work and finding an employer who offers the flexibility you need can be tricky. We'll work with you to update your CV, understand modern, flexible working and find employers who can help you make work work.

Find a peer group of supportive women

As part of an upcoming Making Work Work cohort, you'll be part of a group of likeminded women who understand your situation and share your goals and aspirations.

Eligibility Criteria

It is for women over 25 (we are LGBTQIA+ inclusive)

It is for women who have been out of paid employment for at least the last 6

months (for example due to childcare or other caring commitments, health / disability issues including menopause, redundancy, or other reasons). Please note that women on employer-contracted maternity leave are not eligible.

It is for women who have been employed in the past

It is for women who live in Scotland

It is for women who have entitlement to work in the UK without employment

restriction or time limit.

We particularly welcome applications from women who face multiple barriers to employment, for example older women, menopausal women, disabled women, lone parents, minority ethnic women, women affected by domestic abuse, women from rural or areas of high socio-economic deprivation, female veterans / spouses of veterans and LGBTQIA+ women are especially encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions about your eligibility please get in touch at WomenReturners@TheChallengesGroup.com

Want to learn more?

If you’re unsure about whether this programme is the right one for you, whether you are eligible, or have any other questions? We host regular online Information Sessions to see a list of upcoming sessions, click below.

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Making Work Work Alumni

Making Work Work participants go on to work, start their own businesses and volunteer on their own terms. Here are some of their stories.

“I feel a massive difference in my confidence, my sense of self purpose and passion and will be a different (and much better) female leader walking back into the workplace.”

Making Work Work Participant