About the programme
We understand that talented people take time out of their careers for various reasons. We also recognise that those wanting to return to work often have a wealth of skills and experiences to draw upon from their careers and time away from the workplace.
Our Career Returner Programme is here to support people who are ready to return to work after an extended break. Returning to work can feel daunting, so we have partnered with the company Career Returners since 2018 to offer a 12-month programme to ease the transition. It consists of professional coaching sessions, a mentor programme and a ready-made community of former and current career returners to support you on 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 at least a two-year career break are eligible to apply for a role on our 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 several years.
Professional work experience is necessary because 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 it 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. Different flexible working options are available depending on the role and the area of the Bank.
Fact box
- the programme lasts 12 months and we offer it on a fixed-term contract basis
- the 2025 programme application window has closed
- location varies depending on the year and business needs but could be Leeds, London or both (hybrid working)
- salary varies depending on the hiring area, we will clearly advertise this in each job advert
Please email CareerReturnersRecruitment@bankofengland.co.uk with any questions that we do not answer here.
We are committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply and we are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident scheme. If you wish to apply under this scheme, check the box in the 'Candidate Personal Information' under the 'Disability Confident scheme' section of the application.
How you can develop
This is a tailored development programme run with Career Returners. It 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
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 – possibly a previous returner)
- dedicated support from the programme lead
- 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 closed.
Application process
- Online application: this collects personal information, education and work history and some screening questions. Applications will be sifted in line with the minimum criteria and, if successful, we will invite you to the next stage.
- First-stage interview: this will be with the hiring areas and consist of motivation, behaviours and skills and experience-based questions. It is likely this will be virtual.
- Additional interview/assessments: if successful, we may invite you to an additional interview/assessment, dependent on the role.
- If you get through to interview stage, we will also provide resources to help you prepare and showcase your skills and attributes.
Please email CareerReturnersRecruitment@bankofengland.co.uk with any questions that we do not answer here.
