Returning to Work After Illness or Time Out

Every step brings you closer to success

In-House Training in Scotland

Returning to Work After Illness or Time Out

This Returning to Work Training is for people re-entering work after time out due to illness, caring, or other life events. It helps participants feel prepared, confident, and clear on what they need for a safe and successful return.

Delivered through employability, supported employment, or inclusion programmes, the session is practical, supportive, and rooted in real-life experience.

Support a Smoother Return

Help people re-enter the workplace in a way that feels manageable and safe

Rebuild Confidence Step by Step

We focus on realistic planning — not rushing or pushing too fast

Real-World Tools That Work

Practical resources for managing energy, boundaries, and adjustments

Facilitated by People Who Understand Return-to-Work Challenges

Led by trainers with lived and professional experience

COURSE OVERVIEW

Re-entering work after time out can be a major step. It’s not just about getting a job — it’s about being ready for the expectations, routine, and environment of work. For many disabled people, this also means managing health, confidence, and the fear of not coping.

This Returning To Work Training gives people the space to reflect on what they need and feel able to do — without rushing or judgement. It helps participants build a realistic picture of what their return could look like, and explore support options to help make it happen. Whether they’re entering a new role or re-entering the workforce after years away, the focus is on small, practical steps toward a more confident transition.

returning to work text graphic
  • In-house at your workplace (anywhere in Scotland)
  • 6 - 12 participants
  • 6 hours (Full day, or 2 half day sessions)
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What Preparing for Returning To Work Training Covers

  • Thinking through what “ready” looks like for each individual
  • Building a plan for returning to work after a long absence
  • Knowing your rights and how to ask for reasonable adjustments
  • Managing energy, confidence, and expectations
  • Understanding what support is available and how to access it

Training Benefits:

  • Reduces anxiety about returning to the workplace 
  • Builds confidence and motivation 
  • Helps participants plan a return that’s realistic and sustainable 
  • Encourages early conversations and proactive thinking 
  • Complements existing employability or support programmes 

Ideal For:

  • Disabled jobseekers or learners preparing to re-enter work 
  • People returning after a long-term health condition or life break 
  • Supported employment or return-to-work programme participants 
  • Employers offering targeted support to returners 

Each participant receives a digital toolkit with a return planning worksheet, adjustment request template, and example scripts for employer conversations

Training Format and Duration

Our Returning to Work Training is:

  • Delivered with empathy, care, and structure

  • Designed for small groups in employability, supported employment, or community settings

  • Adapted to suit the group’s pace, confidence, and learning needs

This is a full-day training course (6 hours), which can also be delivered as two shorter sessions across multiple days. The full duration allows space for reflection, confidence-building, scenario practice, and personalised planning.

 

We strongly recommend in-person delivery wherever possible. Being together in the room encourages trust, conversation, and shared learning — especially for participants who may be feeling anxious about returning to work after time away. It creates a more supportive and focused environment, particularly when exploring sensitive topics.

  • Delivered in-person across Scotland (preferred) or online if needed
  • Recommended group size: 6–12  participants

Returning to Work Training - Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our Returning to Work Training-below, and get in touch if you need further assistance!

Who is this training for?

This course is for people preparing to re-enter the workplace after an extended period away. That might be due to illness, long-term health conditions, caring responsibilities, or other personal circumstances.

It’s particularly suited to disabled people, supported jobseekers, or those in transition-focused services who are ready to start thinking about work again — even if they’re not sure where to begin.

Is it suitable for employability or supported employment programmes?

Yes. This training fits well within employability support, return-to-work pathways, and supported employment services.

It complements other skills-based or job-focused training by helping participants think about emotional readiness, support needs, and realistic planning — areas often overlooked in more traditional employment services.

Does it include rights and adjustments guidance?

Yes. We provide accessible information on what support people can ask for when returning to work, including examples of reasonable adjustments.

Participants will leave with a better understanding of their rights under the Equality Act and how to request the support they need to succeed.

Is it appropriate for people with anxiety about work?

Absolutely. We recognise that even if someone feels ready and wants to work, it’s very common to feel anxious about returning to a workplace after a long time away.

This training is designed to meet participants where they are — gently supporting them to think through fears, plan ahead, and take small steps towards a confident return.

What do participants get to take away?

Participants receive a digital resource pack that includes a personalised return-to-work planner, an adjustments request template, and conversation tips they can use in real workplace situations.

Everything is practical and easy to apply.

Is this about returning to an existing job or starting something new?

The main focus is on re-entering the world of work entirely — often after a long absence.

While the session can also be useful for those returning to a previous job after time out, it’s primarily designed for people starting something new, or taking their first steps back into employment after being out of the workforce.

Will participants need to share personal health details?

No. While the training does include discussion and reflection, sharing personal health or life details is always optional. We create a safe, supportive space where participants can engage in the way that works best for them.

The focus is on practical tools and forward planning — not personal history or diagnosis.

Can support workers or carers attend too?

Yes. Support workers, carers, job coaches, or personal assistants are welcome to attend alongside participants. Their presence can help with confidence, communication, and follow-up after the session.

We recommend letting us know in advance so we can make sure the session works well for everyone involved.

Can we adapt it for different learning levels or support needs?

Yes. As with all our training, we tailor the content and delivery style to the needs of the group.

If participants have specific access requirements or learning preferences, we encourage early contact so we can make sure the session is accessible, inclusive, and supportive from the outset.

Who delivers the training?

The session is delivered by experienced trainers who bring both lived and professional insight into disability, inclusion, and return-to-work planning.

We understand the barriers people face — and how to help them take meaningful steps forward.

Help People Rebuild Confidence and Take the First Step Back into Work

Book our Returning To Work Training to support disabled people and returners with clear plans, practical tools, and the confidence to take the next step. 

 Get in touch today to book delivery for your programme or organisation. 

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