With a predominantly female workforce, the NHS is the largest single employer in the UK and has traditionally offered flexible working options to help employees balance their work and family lives.

The implementation of the Work and Families Act 2006 and the provision for up to 10 day Keeping in Touch (KIT) days, has prompted a number of NHS Trusts to look at how to develop group coaching programmes using KIT day to provide maternity leave returners with support to continue their careers successfully at this point of transition. Making a confident return, managing flexible working and creating a healthy work-life balance are some of the topics planned.

Ann Girling and Susan Odev of Managing Maternity, who both have deep knowledge of the NHS in terms of front line services and organisational skills development, are currently developing a pilot with a Central London NHS Trust, based on Managing Maternity’s proven model and materials, with future roll out of this tailored programme envisaged throughout the NHS.

Susan says: “My meetings with the NHS Trust have been very productive and there is a lot of support to make this pilot a success.”

Ann agrees: “The introduction of the Work and Families Act and the DOH's Improving Working Lives initiative combined make this the ideal time to bring real benefits to new mothers within the NHS.”

Further updates on this project will follow. In the meantime if you would like to discuss running KIT days in your health or social care organisation please contact the team.