Making Work Work Case Study

Written by Lucy Gallivan and Anja Kirchhof

The Making Work Work programme is run by the Challenges Group and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  Making Work Work supports women returning to the labour market, often following a career break due to caring responsibilities.  The programme includes sessions about building confidence, encouraging participants to envision the ideal work-life blend and exploring what flexible working means, where to find it, and how to ask for it.  Alongside this, there are management and leadership skills refresher sessions and employability training around topics such as job applications, giving presentations and networking.

Lucy joined the Making Work Work programme in mid-2023 not knowing where to start looking for work after a long career break, and unsure how to juggle work and family commitments.  The programme provided just what she needed to make the transition back into work.  Following the programme, Lucy’s applications led to two successful interviews, leaving her to choose the best option.  She joined the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as an economist on a part-time contract.  CMA offered her a job suiting her previous career path, providing return-to-work support, and the flexibility she needed around family.  Lucy shares some more details of her story here.

Lucy’s Story

By the time I returned to work last September, I was almost 46 and had been out of work for nearly 13 years. My four children were aged between 6 and 14 and we have no family nearby for support.  My husband also has spells where he travels a lot for work, adding to the childcare challenge.

I have been fortunate to return to work on a flexible returners programme at the CMA, going back into work at the same level I left at.  I work part-time, 18 hours a week, which are spread over school hours from Monday to Thursday.  I work from the office for around half of my working days. The return to work has been a big transition for me, but a supportive employer has been a great help.  I have been given access to a mentor, lots of training, and I have regular catch-ups with other women in the organisation who have also taken time out of the workplace in the past. Through a combination of training and on-the-job learning, I am refreshing my economics knowledge, learning about the organisation, and doing interesting and meaningful work.

Regarding childcare, my children are all school-age, and my working hours are all within school time. We use an after-school club for the youngest two children one day a week which gives me flexibility for making appointments or doing extra work when it is particularly busy.  The trickiest times for us to cover are school holidays and when the children are off sick.  These times are covered by my husband being able to work from home, holiday clubs where available, and taking annual leave where necessary.  It is also possible for me to switch my hours around during the holidays which is very useful as I can condense hours into fewer working days.

The main challenge has been dealing with my confidence in the work environment.  However, when I feel like I am doing a good job I really enjoy it and am delighted to be back at work.  In terms of my experience with Making Work Work, I found it a very safe space to explore what is possible, to gain confidence and get my head back into the mindset of work.  The programme offered invaluable emotional and practical support which is given generously.  It also focused my mind on achieving a flexible work/life balance - it made me realise that it is possible and gave me the tools to get it.

To find out more visit the Making Work Work Facebook page.

For those interested in flexible working, also see the Flexible Working Scotland Facebook page.