Next Steps: returning parents

This free of charge pilot event has been designed to help those returning from maternity leave back to work as smooth as possible and provide you with a range of resources to assist you with your next steps.

This pilot will be interactive and those attending will be asked to participate and engage throughout the day. Feedback would also be appreciated to support future planning for this project.

Please note there are two parts to attending this event.

Those attending will be expected to:

• Join a pre-course 30 minute introductory online session held on Thursday, 5 January 2026 from 13:00
• An all day in-person event held on Thursday, 12 February 2026.

This session is for those planning a return or recently returned from maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

• Equip delegates with tailored resources and guidance

Provide practical advice and support for veterinary professionals at key career stages (returning from parental leave, career breaks, new management roles).

• Increase awareness and uptake of RCVS resources

Showcase the wide range of evidence-based tools, courses, and support available through RCVS and RCVS Knowledge.

• Foster collaboration and engagement

Create opportunities for delegates to interact with RCVS teams, ask questions, and build connections.

• Promote confidence and career development

Empower veterinary professionals to navigate transitions successfully and share knowledge within their workplaces.

Arabella Ashfield, PhD, BSc, ILM Level 7 Executive Coach, Ascending Motherhood

Arabella is an executive coach specialising in supporting individuals through the challenges of motherhood and specifically returning to work. With a decade of experience in elite sport culminating in eight years with the Great Britain Olympic Cycling Team supporting athletes, coaches and senior leaders she understands how to thrive in a high-performing and demanding environment. This experience combined with her academic background in positive psychology with a PhD in wellbeing and living optimally underpins her coaching to support mothers returning to work. She helps people understand parental guilt, embrace their newfound identity, identify and assert their new-found strengths, reclaim their confidence, and set boundaries for themselves at work and at home. Individuals craft strategies to overcome the multiple transitions faced whilst continuing to perform at the highest level. Arabella works with companies to provide this coaching to their returners which helps retain staff and supports productivity and team culture. Furthermore, she provides manager training to equip others with the necessary skills to hold good conversations and support effective returns for staff, as well as hosting well-being sessions to improve psychological well-being, reduce life stressors and prevent burn-out.

Further information is available from Arabella 's Asending Motherhood webpage.

Thursday, 5 February 2026 - Online lunchtime session

13:00 - 13:30 - Pre-event discussion chaired by Arabella Ashfield

Thursday, 12 February 2026 - In-person all day event

09:15 - 10:00 - Registration and refreshments

10:00 - 10:15 - Welcome and introductions to the day

10:15 - 11:00 - Group discussion work

11: 00 - 11:15 - Morning refreshment break

11:15 - 12:15 - Workshops

12:15 - 13: 15 - Lunch

13:15 - 14:30 - Coaching session one with Arabella Ashfield

14:30 -14:45 - Afternoon break

14:45 - 15:45 - Coaching session two with Arabella Ashfield

15:45 - 16:00 - Wrap up, thank you and session close

16:00 - Close

Should I attend?

If you are currently on parental leave or have returned within the last two years from parental leave and would like to help to shape future content to support those returning, then we want to hear from you!

Why is this event free of charge?

This initial pilot event is free of charge, as we are keen to use it to help shape future sessions. This means that we will be asking delegates to provide us with more detailed feedback, to enable us to continue to develop the content and ensure it is as relevant and impactful as possible.

What will be required of me?

Collaboration and detailed feedback are essential to the success of this pilot event. By working together and sharing honest, constructive insights, delegates help us refine the experience and ensure it meets the needs of all participants. Your feedback will not only shape future events but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity.

Can I bring my baby with me? What facilities do you have available?

We aim to make these events as welcoming and accessible as possible. If you are breastfeeding or would otherwise be unable to attend without your baby, please let us know during the registration enrolment.

We have a dedicated private space for baby changing and nursing/pumping and will ensure there is a separate quiet area available for your comfort and convenience.

Please note: parents are required to be with their babies at all times and not leave them with other people attending the event or RCVS staff.

Catering and refreshments on the day:

Lunch and refreshments will be made available throughout the day.

Dietary requirements will be requested during sign up.

Please note, the RCVS are unable to provide additional requests for young children. We can however, assist with bottle warming.

Will the sessions be recorded?

No, none of the sessions will be recorded. We will be taking photographs on the day, but you can opt out of this if you would prefer.

Who can I contact if I have questions about the event?

Please contact the RCVS Events Team - [email protected] for questions about the event. If you have any queries about the initiative or the workforce project, please contact the RCVS Advancement Team.

RCVS Events - [email protected]

Workforce project - [email protected]

What happens if I can no longer attend the session?

Places are limited so please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so that we can allocate the place to someone else. All booked places will be catered for, so please try to let us know by 5 February if you wish to cancel your place. *If you do not attend and do not let us know, there will be a £30 charge incurred to cover the cost of catering.

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