If you are an employer who is looking to access and support the pool of highly-qualified, diverse returner talent, join us at our next Career Returners Employer Insight and Networking Event on 21 May 2025 (9:15-10:30 UK time). Register by midday UK Time on 20 May. 

• On the launch of our Career Returners Indicator 2025, find out the latest data on the challenges facing returning professionals, together with their motivations and employment preferences.
• Hear from two longstanding returner employers: Deloitte Ireland and Virgin Media O2. They’ll be sharing insights on how they have lowered the hiring barriers faced by candidates without recent experience, to create inclusive and supportive pathways for career returners, through both a returnship and a business-as-usual (BAU) approach.

This is a free-of-charge event for current and prospective returner employers from all sectors.

Following the panel you will have the opportunity to connect with other forward-thinking employers in small groups, to exchange ideas and gain actionable guidance on creating a workplace that values experience, cognitive diversity and a fresh perspective.

Agenda (UK Time)

09:15 – 09:20    Welcome & Introductions

09:20 – 09:50    Research findings and panel discussion 

09:50 – 10:25    Shared learning in breakout rooms

10:25 – 10:30    Closing comments

Panellists

Zoë Briggs, Inclusion Lead, Deloitte Ireland

Zoë Briggs is the Inclusion Lead at Deloitte Ireland. With a background in psychology, Zoë has been a member of the People & Purpose team at Deloitte Ireland for eight years. Her roles have encompassed a wide range of exposure to inclusion, learning, purpose, and performance. Upon assuming the Inclusion Lead role, Zoë spearheaded the design and pilot of Deloitte Ireland’s Return to Work programme. Three years later, this programme is recognised as a key lever in advancing gender diversity at senior levels within the organisation.

Andrea Jones, Talent Acquisition Manager, Virgin Media O2 

Andrea Jones, Talent Acquisition Manager at Virgin Media O2, has played a pivotal role in the company’s Returners Programmes. With over two decades of experience at the company, Andrea has managed the design and recruitment process for three Returner programmes at O2, integrating 45 returners into the business. Currently leading the first Virgin Media O2 Returners Programme, Andrea is committed to helping hiring managers appreciate the unique value that returners bring, ensuring this talent is effectively reintegrated into the workforce. Andrea’s experience spans various business areas, with a current emphasis on hiring for the retail stores estate.

Target Audience

The event is aimed at you, if you:

• Are considering running a returner programme in the future
• Are interested in building diverse talent pipelines
• Are implementing a returner programme with Career Returners and would welcome the opportunity to learn from others who have managed this successfully
• Are an experienced Career Returners returner-inclusive employer partner who wants to connect and learn from peers and to share your experience