Collaboration with organisations with similar goals can only work to benefit and reach all returners. There is great power of being together, we are proud to have a close relationship with STEM Returners.
STEM Returners connects professionals with forward-thinking industry leaders through tailored return to work programmes and support, supporting over 650 professional back into STEM industries.
WES Annual Conference 2026
The Women’s Engineering Society’s annual conference, with the theme “Engineering Intelligence”, was an opportunity to highlight the challenges many returners face. The Trust’s Chief Executive, Dr Katie Perry chaired a panel session on “Return and Retain: unlocking STEM talent in Industry and Research” joined by former Daphne Jackson Fellow, Dr Emma Hellawell, Natalie Desty, STEM Returners founder, their fabulous returner, Dr Maria Holloway-Strong along with Mat Parker, Head of Careers & Inclusion, ECITB.
A more equitable workforce in engineering
Within engineering there is a growing skills demand, the panel was a great opportunity to discuss how we view returners in the workforce.
Returners need to be recognised as a vital resource that can fill the skills gap in STEM. They should not be considered a risk but a potentially valuable employee whose technical skills have been enhanced by additional life skills. Dr Katie Perry, The Daphne Jackson Trust comments:
“This is the first time we have done a joint panel with STEM Returners, each inviting a returner supported by our organisations. The icing on the cake is that both our returners on the panel had actually collaborated on a project previously, yet never met in person. They are also both award winners. There was a real sense of positivity and our panel discussion felt as though it could have gone on all morning”
What changes are needed at an industry wide level?
“At an industry level, employers need to actively remove barriers for returners by changing both processes and, more importantly, mindsets. A career break does not diminish experience or capability; instead, decision-makers should recognise the resilience, adaptability, and fresh perspective that returners bring back into the workforce.
Returners should be evaluated on capability rather than employment gaps, supported by inclusive recruitment practices and tailored pathways that reflect different career journeys.
With the right support and equitable opportunities, returners are well placed to thrive and make a meaningful, lasting contribution.”
Natalie Desty, STEM Returners
Our Returners
Dr Emma Hellawell is a former Daphne Jackson Fellow, funded by NERC and the University of Surrey, and hosted at the University of Surrey in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
She returned to research in 2018, with her research project being entitled; “analysis of asbestos and benzo-a-pyrene levels in UK urban soil from local authority data. Emma is currently working as a Carbon Consultant at Onyx Geo to reduce carbon, soil management and sustainability in civil engineering. Emma is also an Associate Tutor at the University of Surrey.
Dr Maria Holloway-Strong returned to paid work, after 17 years away via a STEM Returners programme with AtkinsRéalis.
Maria has worked her way up to principal engineering geologist and has become a chartered geologist to add to her chartered engineer status. Maria has also obtained an expert witness qualification (MSc level) and is chair of the Ground Engineering Advisory Panel for CIRIA.
In 2020, Maria won the AtkinsRéalis Ground Engineering & Tunnelling ED&I award and was a finalist at the Ground Engineering Awards on two occasions. Maria also won the WISE 2025 STEM Returner of the Year Award.
This year, Maria has joined the STEM Returners Mentoring scheme and is working towards becoming a Fellow of IOM3.
Support Returners
Find out more about STEM returners: Supported Return to Work Programmes | STEM Returners
Learn more about The Daphne Jackson Trusts Impact and Fellows outcomes here.
