About the programme
We understand that talented people take time out of their careers for a variety of reasons, and we recognise that those looking to return to work have a wealth of skills and experiences to draw upon from their earlier careers and time away from the workplace.
Our Career Returner Programme is here to support those who are ready to return to work after an extended break. We know from experience that returning to work can feel daunting, so we have partnered with Career Returners since 2018 to offer a 12-month returner programme to ease the transition. The programme consists of a series of professional coaching sessions, a mentor programme and a ready-made community of former and current career returners to support with navigating the path ahead.
In 2023 we were shortlisted at the Women In Banking & Finance Awards (WIBF) for the Most Successful Returner Strategy.
Is this route for you?
Candidates with a minimum of a two-year career break are eligible to apply for a role on our Career Returner Programme. You may have taken time out for childcare or eldercare, for relocation, or for other reasons. You may have been working on a small-scale basis to fit around your other commitments or have not done any paid work for a number of years.
Professional work experience is necessary as you will be operating and influencing at a senior level. The right skills are more important than the right background. Financial experience is not essential for all roles, though would be beneficial. Our teams include people from a range of backgrounds such as finance, science, government, civil service and the military.
Through our Ways of Working Norms and flexible working policies we welcome applications from people who want to work in a balanced way around their other commitments. There are different flexible working options available depending on the role and the area of the Bank.
Fact box
- Length of contract: The programme is 12 months in duration and is offered on a fixed term contract basis.
- The 2025 Programme application window has now closed.
- Location: Location varies depending on the year and business needs but could be Leeds, London or both (hybrid working).
- Salary: The salary varies depending on the hiring area. This will be clearly advertised in each job advert when applications are open.
Please email CareerReturnersRecruitment@bankofengland.co.uk for any questions that are not answered here.
We’re committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply and we're proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme. If you wish to apply under this scheme, you should check the box in the ‘Candidate Personal Information’ under the ‘Disability Confident Scheme’ section of the application.
How can you develop?
This programme is a tailored development programme run in partnership with Career Returners. This will include a bespoke induction, dedicated coaching sessions, a career returner mentor and ongoing support from the programme lead.
In previous years we have recruited into the following areas:
- Monetary Analysis
- Financial Stability Strategy and Risk
- Financial Market Infrastructure
- Prudential Regulation Authority
- Legal
- Resolution
What we offer you
For information on our reward package see the What we offer you page.
As an employee on our Career Returner Programme, you will also receive:
- Five group coaching sessions from a 'Career Returners' qualified coach
- A buddy from your immediate business area
- A mentor (Bank colleague from a different area of the Bank – possibly a previous returner)
- Dedicated support from the Programme Lead throughout your programme
- Participation in and support from our Career Returner community (you will join as part of a cohort of up to 20 Returners)
How to apply
Applications for our 2025 Programme are now closed.
Application process
The application process for this programme is as follows:
- Online application: this collects personal information, education & work history and
some screening questions. Applications will be sifted in line with the minimum criteria and, if successful, you will be invited to the next stage. - First stage interview: This will be with the hiring areas and consist of motivation, behaviours and skills & experience-based questions. It is likely this will be virtual.
- Additional interview/assessments: If successful, you may be invited to an additional interview/assessment dependent on the role.
- If you get through to interview stage, we will also provide some support resources to help you to prepare for the interview and showcase your skills and attributes.
Please email CareerReturnersRecruitment@bankofengland.co.uk for any questions that are not answered here.
