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.
Our Impact
Since 2017, STEM Returners has been at the forefront of promoting equality, inclusivity, and diversity within the STEM sector.
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
500
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 9% of engineers represented by these groups
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 values underpin everything we do
Support
At STEM Returners, we are dedicated to providing unwavering support to our candidates and partners. Our focus is on guiding and empowering professionals as they navigate their return to STEM or transition into exciting new opportunities within the industry.
Trust
Building trust is central to how we work and the foundation of our relationships. We remain committed to transparency, reliability, and integrity, ensuring that everyone we engage with feels confident in our approach, our actions, and the outcomes we deliver.
Equity
We believe in creating equitable opportunities for all professionals, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, background or career journey. Our programmes are designed to dismantle barriers faced by returners, ensuring that everyone has the chance to succeed in STEM.
Moral
Our work is driven by a strong moral compass, guiding us to do what’s right for candidates, partners, and the broader STEM community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive.
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.
