At The Challenges Group, innovation is more than a buzzword, it’s embedded in everything we do. With 25 years of experience in delivering enterprising solutions to global challenges, we have supported over 28,000 people worldwide and delivered 215,000 consulting days. Our unique approach allows us to continuously refine our programmes, ensuring they remain relevant, effective, and impactful for both participants and partners. This adaptability is evident in our latest initiative: Making Work Work – for Dumfries & Galloway Women in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The Making Work Work programme empowers talented, skilled women in Scotland to step back into work after a career break. Since piloting Making Work Work in 2021, we have supported over 300 women directly and hundreds more indirectly who have faced barriers to employment despite having a high level of skills, qualifications and experience.
For each Making Work Work programme, we've adapted the programme for diverse audiences and partners, and it has continually evolved based on feedback from funders, participants, and alumni to better meet their needs. The new Dumfries & Galloway pilot is a testament to this ongoing process.
The opportunity to extend Making Work Work to Dumfries & Galloway arose as we recognised the need to reach women in a geographically dispersed area with diverse backgrounds. Women returners often have specific needs around building networks and confidence and finding flexible work aligned with their skills and commitments. To make the programme more accessible and effective in this unique setting, we introduced three key adaptations:
Participants also receive additional support from Employability Case Workers at D&G Works (Dumfries & Galloway Council) and job coaches through our partnership with Business in the Community (BITC). When women secure interviews, they receive interview coaching and dressing from our partner, Smart Works Scotland.
Creating Meaningful Change in Dumfries & Galloway
The Dumfries & Galloway pilot exemplifies our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. By designing an inclusive, peer-led learning environment, we empower women to build confidence, develop management skills, and progress in their careers.
Unlike sector-specific returner programmes that focus on reinserting women into previous roles, Making Work Work takes a sector-agnostic approach, offering women the freedom to choose their own career pathways. Many of our alumni secure roles in the public and third sectors, aligning with their values while benefiting from fair, flexible work.
By working closely with local authorities, funders, and partners, we ensure that our programmes remain highly adaptable and results-driven. We are excited to see how this pilot progresses and how we can scale this innovative model to support even more women in Dumfries & Galloway and beyond.
If you are a funder or partner looking to drive real impact through a flexible, proven employability initiative, we would love to collaborate with you. We are looking at how we can apply this proven, award-winning model to other employability client groups as well as women returners. Get in touch via our contact page or email us on womenreturners@thechallengesgroup.com, to explore how we can work together to support women in your community.
