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Find a role that fits your life!

We run programmes that help women find rewarding and flexible work.

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About Making Work Work

Making Work Work is a suite of programmes designed by The Challenges Group and Scotland’s Flex Influencer 2022, Lynn Houmdi, to help people, particularly women, to make empowered transitions into fulfilling work that works around all the other commitments and enjoyment of life. We support women to craft their careers through the ups and downs of life and to rediscover their professional selves.

About

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

Boost work-related
skills

Our programmes are designed to equip you with the skills you'll need to find work that fits around your life and with your existing experience.

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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.

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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.

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

Returning to or progressing at 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.

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Find a peer group of supportive women

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

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Our Programmes

Making Work Work – for Edinburgh Women

Our Edinburgh returners programme helps women who have previously had a career break or who are now on a career break to make work work for them, their families and their lifestyles. Participants receive training in management and leadership as well as mentoring and employability support.

Applications are now closed. 

LEAP - for Edinburgh Women

The LEAP programme is a partnership between The Challenges Group and Firstport offering a recognised training route in project management and consulting, with a voluntary 8-10 week placement to support women to build skills and networks following a career break.

Making Work Work – for Women Returners

Piloted in partnership with The Scottish Government, our original Women Returners programme won a Chartered Management Institute Innovation Prize in 2021. Since then the team has supported more than 150 women to find flexible, fair employment which suits them, their families and their lifestyles.

Ready to RISE

Building on the success of our pilot of Ready to RISE in 2023/24, The Challenges Group and Firstport are delighted to announce a new Ready to RISE programme supporting pre-start up women entrepreneurs in Scotland.

 

Applications will open in early 2025.

Making Work Work – for Midlothian Women

Are you a mum in Midlothian looking to return to work? Or have you returned to work that is below your skills, aspirations and earning potential?

 

Making Work Work for Midlothian Women builds on the success of our Award Winning Making Work Work programme.

Programes

Want to learn more?

Perhaps you’re unsure about which programme is 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.

Info Session

Our Goals

Regardless of the specific audience we seek to support, the aims of Making Work Work programmes are as follows:

 

  • To contribute to more positive and productive workplace cultures where people can contribute in a way which fits with their lifestyles and commitments;

  • To improve the diversity of workplaces and address the Gender Pay Gap by supporting women to return to work commensurate with their skills and aspirations and by helping employers to find, recruit and retain them;

  • To lift incomes of families by enabling women to work;

  • To help women to devise (work)life blends that suit them, their families and lifestyles.

Looking for more resources?

e.g. our FREE Returners CV Guide

Resources

Our Partners

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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

Testimonials
Apply Now
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Ready to make work work for you?

Not sure where to start? Contact our friendly team with any general enquiries.

The Challenges Group,
7 Montgomery Street Lane, 

Edinburgh, EH7 5JT

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