Our Returning Parents Support Fund is for staff returning from all forms of parental leave to help smooth their transition back into the workplace. Launched in 2023 with Research England's Enhancing Research Culture (ERC) funding, now it is in its third year and with direct University funding.

We are proud to be supporting parents’ return to the University, and 90% of colleagues who received the funding agreed that they have the support needed to excel in their role:

This fund is fantastic and has had a very positive impact on my experience returning to work. It has also made a big difference in terms of the feeling of support, coming back as a working parent. Thank you so much.

The aim of the funding is help re-establish momentum by removing some of the barriers faced when returning to work. 89% of recipients said they had increased their skills and knowledge because of the fund:

Thank you!! It was such a nice boost to get the money after coming back from maternity leave, which can feel like a really daunting time to get back into the swing of work again. It made a huge difference to my current work and allowed me freedom to think big going forwards.

Full details and eligibility criteria can be found here, and if you have any questions before applying please email diversity@bath.ac.uk.