The Missing Talent Strategy: Transforming Maternity Transitions at Work

Retaining talent. Supporting careers. Strengthening organisations. There have been significant advances in workplace equality in recent decades but maternity-related employment transitions and working motherhood continue to have highly significant and long-term implications for female career progression, earnings and retention (ONS, 2025; CIPD 2025). Each year, skilled and experienced employees navigate the transition into and back from maternity leave. While many organisations have policies in place, research continues to highlight gaps between policy and practice, with implications for talent retention, employee wellbeing, career progression, gender equality and organisational performance. For employers facing skills shortages, workforce participation challenges and increasing expectations around inclusion, maternity transitions represent a strategic opportunity to retain talent, support career sustainability and strengthen organisational culture. Hosted by Amba Consulting NI, in collaboration with the CIPD in Northern Ireland and supported by We Innovate at Queen's University Belfast, this event is an opportunity for HR professionals, people leaders, EDI practitioners and organisational decision-makers to explore how we can better support maternity transitions in the workplace to improve outcomes for individuals and organisations. Join us for a morning session, catering provided. Date: 25th November 2026 Time: 9.30am – 12.45pm (including informal networking) Location: Canada Room, Queens University Belfast