At STEM Returners we are on a mission to fix the unfair, broken, and outdated recruitment system that’s contributing to a lack of diversity in STEM organisations. We know how to reconnect highly skilled, overlooked returners with forward-thinking STEM organisations. Our programmes re-introduce a hidden workforce back to the STEM sectors, helping to solve the STEM skills gap with diverse professionals who have been locked out of industry by outdated recruitment methods. We work with employers to view CV gaps in a different way. Operating within an incredibly skills short market, this scheme will allow employers to attract candidates from a new talent pool, and give candidates a supported route back to their career. The programme itself creates paid short-term employment placements for professionals returning to work after a career break. Alongside the experience gained from the work placement, STEM Returners will also provide support for the candidate in advice, career coaching, networking opportunities and mentoring. 96% of all previous participants have gone on to work full-time at their host company. This project is co-supported by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and the Women’s Engineering Society. We passionately believe that providing a mechanism to motivated and experienced candidates to return to STEM, will help to create the diverse, agile and innovative STEM workforce that the UK needs for today and the future.