Join our 2025 Autumn cohort.

Applications for our Autumn cohort are now open. Branch is currently invite only. Please register here and we'll be in touch!

Return to work together

With Branch, you return with a group of brilliant women, navigating the powerful, messy intersection of motherhood and work. Our five-week hybrid programme provides the tools, connection, and support to help you build your next chapter.

We match you with a small group of professional women who are:

  • Returning to work at a similar time

  • Working in complementary industries and roles

  • At a comparable career stage

  • Facing similar personal and professional challenges

Programme outline

  • Becoming a parent changes everything, and returning to work can bring a mix of emotions. In this first session, we reflect on what we’ve learned during parental leave, the skills and experiences we’ve gained, and how we want to approach this next chapter.

  • Life as a working parent can feel overwhelming. This session is about creating some calm within the chaos. We explore what’s in our control, what we can influence, and what we can let go of. You’ll leave with some practical ways to feel more grounded and intentional in your day-to-day life

  • Motherhood is one of the few moments in life when everything gets shaken up: your identity, your priorities, your sense of purpose. This session is a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your values. It will help you make decisions, set boundaries, and feel more grounded in this next chapter.

  • After maternity leave, it’s easy to feel like your time, energy, and focus are pulled in a dozen directions. This reflective session is an opportunity to pause and clarify the boundaries you may need at work, at home, and with yourself, and to gain the confidence to start putting them into place.

  • You don’t have to do this alone. In this session, we explore the idea of a “village”: the people who can support us, both personally and professionally. You’ll map out your own support network and reflect on how to strengthen and grow it in this new phase of life.

  • An optional in-person breakfast to bring everyone together across the cohort. This is a chance to connect, chat, and share the journey face-to-face.

I found myself feeling more confident, able to set boundaries in my work and overall, just be kinder to myself. I’m so grateful I joined and would recommend it to any of my friends or colleagues.
— Ruth, News Manager

Available start dates

In your group, you’ll meet weekly with around eight women for five facilitated coaching remote sessions. Our current available start dates are as follows:

October (Wednesdays)

Starting Wednesday, 9th October

12:30-1:30pm | Remote

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5 places remaining

November (Wednesdays)

Starting Wednesday, 6th November

12:30-1:30pm | Remote

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7 places remaining

October (Thursdays)

Starting Thursday, 10th October

12:30-1:30pm | Remote

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4 places remaining

November (Thursdays)

Starting Thursday, 7th November

12:30-1:30pm | Remote

~

6 places remaining

Returning to work from maternity leave has proven more challenging than I expected but having a regular session with mums at a similar stage has been enormously helpful.
— Hannah, Sustainability Manager
Returning to work was very daunting, I felt stressed and anxious. Branch has been an incredible support, helping me to navigate the transition and teaching me techniques and tools to feel equipped.
— Sara, New Business Director

FAQs

Who is the Branch Programme for?

The Branch programme is for women who:

  • Have recently returned to work after maternity leave.

  • Want to balance being a mother with continuing to build their career

Can women outside of London join?

Yes, although participants currently need to travel to London for their cohort breakfast event (attendance is optional but recommended). We're expanding Branch’s inclusivity by planning launches in additional locations.

What type of women join the programme?

Our primary focus is on women working in professional roles. Women join the programme from all industries and sectors at varying seniority levels. Our curation model allows us to connect women in similar roles and sectors, sparking more opportunities for group magic.

When should I join the programme?

We recommend that you join the Branch programme within six months of returning to work. If you have been back at work for longer than this and feel that the programme would be helpful, you are welcome to join.

Who will run the sessions?

Branch works with experienced facilitators, guest speakers, and coaches. Each has first-hand experience of returning to their careers after maternity leave and working directly with women on this journey. You can see some of our profiles on our team page.

How much does the programme cost and how do I join?

Please sign up for more information on pricing and details about how to join.