Across our partner institutions, an average of 200 research staff take an extended period of parental leave each year. We are committed to ensuring these individuals feel supported and empowered as they transition back into their research roles.

The Supporting researchers returning from parental leave project, funded by the White Rose University Consortium and co-led by Alys Kay (Research Culture Coach and Consultant), seeks to identify effective, no-cost strategies that support a smooth and successful return.

This week, we brought colleagues from Leeds, Sheffield and York together for a full-day workshop, ‘From evidence to implementation’. The day marked a shift in the supporting researchers returning from parental leave project from understanding the evidence to deciding how we can use it to support researchers.

Project co-leads Alys Kay and Dr Sarah Penny (Researcher Developer, University of York) shared findings from the Return to Research project, and what they show about successful research reintegration.

Using a returner scenario, participants looked at return through different roles: what each part of the university sees, what it might do, and what falls between roles and responsibilities.

Bringing those perspectives together revealed the connections, gaps and conditions that shape a successful return. It confirmed that return-to-research is a shared system, not the job of one function.

From evidence to action

Together, participants identified and prioritised practical areas for testing. They also mapped the people, expertise, partnerships and existing structures needed to make implementation work.

The afternoon turned to an 18-month implementation and learning journey. Participants explored when different people need to be involved, how we learn as the work develops, and how to connect it with wider sector conversations.

Looking ahead

No single institution can do this alone. This is where a collaboration across the White Rose University Consortium partnership adds value through cross-institutional insight and support.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, expertise and honesty. We’ll share more as the first tests take shape.

If you’d like to learn more or take part, please get in touch with us at info@whiterose.ac.uk to discuss how you can get involved.