Championing women returners with Direct Line

“Hearing the stories from the panel and their honest answers to the questions has really motivated me to get my CV dusted off!”

– Heather, delegate

Earlier this month Successful Mums joined forces with Direct Line Group for an inspiring Women Returners Day at the insurer’s Bromley HQ.

More than 100 mums (and a good few dads) attended the event, which was specially designed for parents returning to work after a career break or looking to find a better work-life balance with a local employer.

The day was hosted by Direct Line’s Jennifer Thomas, Head of Internal Communications and one of the company’s most senior women. Jennifer – who is also a mum to two boys and no stranger to the challenges of juggling family and career – talked about what flexibility really means, how Direct Line supports work-life balance and what it can offer women returners.

Working with Successful Mums to support women looking to return into the workplace was an excellent experience for our speakers as well as the delegates.  It gave Direct Line Group the opportunity to showcase how inclusive our business is, while giving us access to potential talented women who would be welcomed within our organisation. We look forward to building on this initiative in the future and supporting local talent back into the workplace. – Jennifer Thomas Head of Internal Communications, Experience & Sustainability

Successful Mums founder Jane Knight presented an inspiring session packed with expert career advice, motivation and back-to-work ideas. Jane outlined the transferable parenting skills most valued by employers and shared her tips for building confidence, getting focused and sharpening that CV.

There was a chance to find out about Direct Line’s current career opportunities and a brilliant panel of Direct Line employees shared their own stories of returning to work after having children. This lively and insightful discussion was enjoyed by all, with delegate Etulan praising its “personal feel”.

Returner Natalie, who is at the beginning of her journey back to work, said that the event had made her feel much more confident about her future.

She added: “The host was exceptional and the individuals on the panel were inspirational. The women I spoke to at Direct Line demonstrated that the [company’s] core values are part of how members of staff are treated and treat each other – it’s not just an advertising gimmick.”

Heather was also impressed by the organisation’s approach to returners: “Direct Line Group seems like a brilliant place to work,” she said. “Their attitude to flexible working is something I never thought I’d find in any company.”

Successful Mums’ Jane was delighted with the positive response to the day.

She said: “Connecting women to forward-thinking employers is an important part of what we do at Successful Mums. This event was the perfect platform for Direct Line to talk about their values, showcase their latest opportunities and to answer questions from the audience.

“It was also really refreshing to hear so many inspiring stories from Direct Line’s own women returners as they  shared their experiences of going back to work after a career break.”

Successful Mums works with flexible and family-friendly employers to support skilled women back into work. If your organisation is interested in hosting a Women Returners event, please contact