We interviewed Ella Britton, one of our senior recruitment consultants. We ask what it was like returning to work after maternity leave. Hear about the journey of re-entering the workplace and the transition.
FIRSTLY, WELCOME BACK! IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU COULD GIVE US AN OVERVIEW OF YOUR ROLE.
Phew. Returning to work after Maternity Leave. It feels like I have blinked and maternity leave is over. I feel excited though as whilst I have been off my desk has changed. I am now working alongside Andrew Fragnito-Day recruiting in all support roles. From Secretarial support, Legal Assistance, Conveyancing, Paralegal, Business and Office Managers. Right up to NQ level in various legal practices across Essex.
AS A WORKING MUM, HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN COMING BACK TO WORK AFTER YOUR MATERNITY BREAK?
It has been smooth so far. I have had a few meetings about my return to work and how my desk will look on my return. I feel confident that it will be a success and it’s great to be working with the local businesses.
THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT SKILLS SHORTAGE ACROSS THE BOARD IN MANY SECTORS. DO YOU THINK EMPLOYERS COULD DO MORE TO SUPPORT THEIR FEMALE WORKFORCE?
I have been very lucky not only here. But also in my previous company where I have been supported in part time hours. I feel that this is evolving especially after the past two years where flexible working is becoming more apparent and ‘mum returners’ are welcomed as I also feel that when a woman comes back to work after having a baby it is normally because they want to continue their career. So will work hard to prove they are still an asset to the business and enjoy being themselves again.
HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK IT IS FOR EMPLOYERS TO SUPPORT WORKING PARENTS?
I think it is crucial as in all honesty. I believe the employer will get so much loyalty from that individual as they (like myself) are grateful to be in a role they enjoy. But also have the support knowing that being a parent has its challenges and flexibility that is sometimes required. But I also think this goes both ways, you work hard have flexibility with the employee the employer will offer the same in return.
YOU HAVE EXTENSIVE RECRUITMENT EXPERIENCE IN THE LEGAL SECTOR – CAN YOU GIVE ME A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOUR BACKGROUND?
I have been in recruitment since 2007, this is where my passion for the legal sector began. At the start I was working alongside two senior recruiters as a PA at Chambers and Partners. Which led to me moving over to recruit In House Lawyers, General Counsel and Company Secretarial teams. I moved on from there and continued recruiting in the secretarial remit in the finance world before recruiting in the lending market. I enjoyed all of these roles but knew my next and possible last move would be back into the legal sector, so back in 2019 I joined Nelson Chambers and have never looked back. Recruiting within Legal Practice feels like it is where I am meant to be.
If you would like to get in contact with Ella to discuss your career journey, or to ask any more questions about her time on maternity leave, you can email her at ella.britton@aj-chambers.com
Helpful External Resources:
Accountancy: ICAEW | Accountancy Age | Accounting Web
Law: Law Society | Law Gazette | Legal Futures
AJ Chambers Recruitment Ltd,