Empowering professionals, bridging talent gaps, and creating a more diverse and inclusive STEM sector.
Who are STEM Returners?
Since 2017, STEM Returners has been at the forefront of promoting equality, inclusivity, and diversity within the STEM sector. We’re passionate about creating a equitable industry where career breaks or unconventional journeys are not barriers to success.
Our programmes have not only transformed individual careers but have also helped businesses fill critical talent gaps with experienced, diverse candidates. Designed to support individuals returning to STEM, our STEM Returners Programme offers paid placement opportunities with industry leaders, mentorship, and training, that pave the way for a successful reintegration into the workforce.
For employers, we provide access to a diverse and skilled talent pool, helping to address skills gaps and build innovative, inclusive teams that drive progress.
Purpose:
Ensuring career breaks never define talent, potential or opportunity in STEM.
Vision:
A STEM sector where talent is recognised for capability, not constrained by career history.
Mission:
We create pathways back into STEM for experienced professionals who are often overlooked by traditional recruitment practices. Through supported returnship programmes, coaching and employer partnerships, we connect organisations with highly skilled talent while challenging career-break bias and reshaping hiring practices. Together, we are creating a more inclusive workforce and delivering meaningful change across the STEM sector.
Our values underpin everything we do
“Career breaks should never define talent. STEM Returners exists to challenge barriers, reshape perceptions and create equitable opportunities for highly skilled professionals who are too often overlooked. Our ambition is simple: a STEM sector where inclusion is not an initiative, but the norm.”
— Natalie Desty, Founder of STEM Returners
Support
We are committed to supporting our candidates, partners and wider community at every stage of the journey. Through guidance, coaching and encouragement, we help people build confidence, overcome barriers and realise their potential.
Trust
Trust is at the heart of every relationship we build. We act with honesty, transparency and integrity, creating confidence through our actions, our partnerships and the outcomes we deliver.
Equity
We believe talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not always. We are committed to removing barriers and creating equitable pathways that ensure people are assessed on their skills, experience and potential, not career gaps or background.
Moral Courage
We challenge outdated thinking and advocate for change, even when it is uncomfortable. We believe creating fair opportunities is not just good for business, it is the right thing to do.
What we do
1. Returner Programmes
We design and implement bespoke returner programmes in partnership with leading STEM organisations throughout the UK. These programmes offer paid placements, career coaching, and mentoring to professionals looking to return to or transition into the STEM sector.
2. Career Support and Development
Beyond placements, we provide ongoing support to our candidates. This includes interview preparation and guidance, career coaching, mentoring from industry professionals, and access to a network of like-minded individuals.
3. Industry Collaboration
We work closely with STEM organisations to understand their needs and create returner programmes that align with their business objectives. By collaborating with companies that value diversity and inclusion, we help them access a pool of experienced professionals who bring unique perspectives and skills to the table.
Our Impact
Our programmes have not only transformed individual careers but have also helped businesses fill critical talent gaps with experienced, diverse candidates.
96%
%
of on-programme returners have secured a permanent position within their host organisation
100
%
of all companies who have taken part in a programme have successfully recruited returners
650
+
professionals returned back into the STEM industries via our dedicated return-to-work programme
46
%
of STEM returners are women vs the 25% representation in professional STEM roles
34
%
of our returners are from minority ethnic backgrounds vs 14% in engineering & tech
Natalie & STEM Returners: Our Story
Natalie Desty founded STEM Returners to tackle the barriers faced by professionals returning to STEM careers after a break. With a background in recruitment—previously Director of Maritime Engineering—she saw firsthand the lack of progress in diversity and inclusion across STEM industries.
What started as a small pilot programme has grown into an award-winning initiative, supporting hundreds of returners into roles with companies like BAE Systems, SSE, and Leonardo UK. With a 96% success rate in securing permanent positions, STEM Returners is helping organisations access top talent while improving diversity.
Natalie’s impact has been widely recognised. She holds a BA in International Relations and Politics, an honorary Doctorate of Engineering, and multiple awards for her contributions to diversity in STEM, including the Women in Defence UK Equity of Opportunity Award 2024.
Help us shape the future of STEM
Whether you’re a professional looking to return to or transition into a STEM career, or a business seeking to tap into a diverse talent pool, STEM Returners is here to support your journey.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and innovative STEM sector.
