11 May 2021

Award Winning ‘Return to Work’ Scheme Supporting Diversity and Inclusion Returns For Another Year

Having achieved an industry first in 2019 in the civil nuclear industry, Cavendish Nuclear follow up on their diversity and inclusion success with award winning ‘return to work’ scheme across the UK.

Cavendish Nuclear, the UK’s leading nuclear service company, has once again shown their commitment to the Nuclear Sector Deal gender commitment to achieve 40% females in the civil nuclear workforce by 2030 by running a second returners programme.

The returners programme aims to end the unconscious bias that can exist in traditional recruitment routes by locking out diverse groups from the UK STEM workforce who are looking to return to industry after a career break.

The placements, which will last 12 weeks, and could turn in to a permanent position, will follow on from the previous successful returners programme the company ran with Hampshire based D&I consultancy STEM Returners in 2019.

Christopher Youd, Business Analyst, who took part in the first intake of STEM Returners at Cavendish Nuclear back in 2019 has glowing words about the programme that has transformed his career.

“I’d gone to a number of interviews prior (to the programme). I’d been called for a few interviews where we had discussed elements of my CV and the career-gap. That seemed to be the main let down. It was sort of seen as a negative. What STEM Returners do is turn that into a positive.” He said. The STEM Returners scheme is there to get you back into work and it recognises that there are people out there who are qualified for roles – but aren’t getting the chance.”

After successfully completing his placement with Cavendish Nuclear, Christopher was offered a permanent role with the company, something that 96% of all those that attend the programme experience.

The diversity and inclusion the programme brings can be seen through its successful alumni, with 34% coming from ethnically diverse backgrounds and nearly half being women – figures that buck national trends.

The programme itself has recently been recognised with awards from Enginuity and Maritime UK for their work on promoting diverse and inclusive recruitment strategies.

Dominic Kieran, Managing Director of Cavendish Nuclear said

“At Cavendish Nuclear, we are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive working environment and the STEM Returners programme is one of a number of initiatives that is a key enabler to help us achieve this. The first programme was a great success with all returners being offered permanent positions and it is our privilege to have them in our business. I look forward to meeting the next group of returners.”

Natalie Desty, Founder of STEM Returners said

“We are thrilled to be so running another programme in partnership with Cavendish Nuclear.  It is clear that Cavendish Nuclear values the skills and experience that career break engineers offer and provide a supportive and inclusive environment for them to thrive. We look forward to continuing our partnership together.”