Return to work with a cohort of peers and expert guidance
Next cohort: January 12th - February 20th
Reconnect with your professional self, together
Returning to work after maternity leave can feel disorienting, exciting, and full of unknowns. Branch Return Cohorts bring together small groups of women who are returning to work at a similar time to share experiences, gain perspective, and rebuild confidence in a supportive environment.
The Cohort Journey
Our cohorts are designed to be light-touch, flexible and remote, supporting your return without adding to your overwhelm. Over six weeks, you’ll join a guided journey through the five Branch Practices, the foundations for a confident and connected return to work:
Transition – navigating change and new beginnings
Focus – recognising what’s within your control
Values & Desires – reconnecting with what matters most
Boundaries – protecting your energy and priorities
Connection – building your network and support system
You’ll move through short exercises, reflections and prompts shared in your private WhatsApp group, designed to spark meaningful conversation and gentle action.
“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.”
Designed for real life
Branch Return Cohorts are built for busy schedules and overloaded minds. Everything is designed to be simple, flexible and supportive, a small structure that helps you find your feet, your focus and your voice again.
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Connect with peers in a private conversation to share experiences, seek support and advice.
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Meet your cohort face-to-face and set your intentions for the journey together.
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Exercises, introductions and reflection prompts across the Branch Practices.
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A space to bring a challenge, test an idea, or explore the practices in real time with experienced Branch return coach.
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Short, informal 1:1 chats and walk & talks to deepen connections.
Returning later in the year? Join our 2026 cohorts
You can also register for our 2026 Spring, Summer & Autumn Cohorts.
“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.”
“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. ”
FAQs
Who should join a Branch Return Cohort?
Our return-to-work cohorts are 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, our Return Cohorts are designed to be fully remote.
What type of women join?
Our primary focus is on women returning to professional roles. Women join from all industries and sectors at varying seniority levels.
When should I join?
We recommend that you join a cohort within six months of returning to work. We also welcome women to join in the weeks ahead 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 coaching sessions?
Branch works with experienced 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 it cost and how do I join?
Please sign up for more information on pricing and details about how to join.