Professor Fiona Woollard, Professor of Philosophy at the TV.
Dr Alexandra Kent,Senior Lecturer from Keele University.
Alison Tumilty,from Keele University.
Serena Williams, bump & glide Ltd.
Context
MaMeT (Maternity Mentoring and Transitions)is an AHRC IAA-funded collaboration between researchers at the Universities of Southampton and Keele, and the maternity mentoring organisationbump & glide Ltd.This project explores how mentoring can improve return-to-work experiences for new mothers after maternity leave, while also informing more supportive workplace practices.
Policy Brief 1: Making Maternity Work
This brief outlines how employers can improve thewell-being, resilience, and work-readinessof employees returning from maternity leave. It highlights the importance of flexible roles, clear communication, and the critical role of supportive line management.
Policy Brief 2: Maternity Mentoring: Making the most of maternity leave for you and your employees
This brief focuses on the lived experiences of mothers who received structured maternity mentoring. It presents mentoring as avaluable, reflective toolfor helping mothers regain confidence, navigate their new identities, and return to work feeling more prepared and empowered.
Final Report: MaMeT Project
The full MaMeT report offers a comprehensive overview of the project’s methodology, analysis, and findings, drawing from interviews with both mentored and non-mentored mothers. It explores the impact of maternity mentoring and provides actionable insights into how organisations can better support working parents.
“Maternity mentoring gave me space and time to reflect on my identity, my needs, and what returning to work could look like.” —Participant, MaMeT
Returning to work after maternity leave is acritical transition, not just professionally, but personally. The MaMeT project demonstrates how thoughtful support systems like maternity mentoring can help individuals navigate this complex phase withconfidence, clarity, and care.
