For HR/People leaders who want to
make a REAL impact
…but could really use some support
The People Practice Group works primarily with HR/People teams/leaders and senior stakeholders, like you, who are responsible for culture, retention, and employee wellbeing.
The parents in your organisation are a big part of this.
You care about doing the right thing—AND you need to demonstrate business impact. You’ve got to retain top talent, meet inclusion goals, and create a workplace that actually works for the people in it.
But here’s what often happens.
Policies have been written, ERGs have been formed, maybe even a programme has been launched—but it still doesn’t seem to be “working”.
The uptake is low. Parents don’t feel seen. Line managers aren’t really sure what the day to day should look like. Senior leaders might say the right things but they don’t model them.
There's a gap between what’s promised and what’s actually experienced.
The People Practice Group can help you close that gap.
WHEN WORK WORKS FOR PARENTS, BUSINESS IS BETTER FOR EVERYONE
A partner who works with you, not just for you
As the founder of The People Practice Group, Hannah Porteous-Butler has worked with a range of organisations — including creative agencies and other forward-thinking employers — helping them build parent-friendly cultures that retain talent and boost engagement.
Hannah is trusted by HR teams and executive leaders because she meets them where they are, brings clarity to complex issues, and helps them create workplaces people genuinely want to be part of. She helps HR leaders build on what they’re already doing, so they can offer something they didn’t realise they could hope for.
That kind of partnership can truly change how parents and carers are seen at work—and unlock the kind of culture where everyone thrives.
Hannah’s not just there to check in with a few newer parents or set policies with HR.
She’s there to shift workplace culture from the inside out.
That means working directly with parents and carers AND with managers. She offers both strategy AND implementation support — helping teams translate inclusive intent into everyday action.
Hannah’s work bridges:
> The gap between policy and practice
> The tension between empathy and performance
> The needs of individuals and the goals of the organisation
Other consultants may offer templates and checklists.
Hannah offers true transformation —- with tools that actually get used, because they’re designed with real people and real pressures in mind.
TRUSTED BY ORGANISATIONS WHO PUT THEIR PEOPLE FIRST
“…can honestly say that Hannah was a catalyst for change. This was all down to her innate ability to ask the right questions, listen objectively, understand what I was really saying and provide clarity. She gave me the framework and space to look within and come up with some “eureka” moments… Hannah’s warmth, humour, insights and reassurance made the whole process rewarding and a pleasure.”
Caroline L. Benn PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, LoQus23 Therapeutics
THE R.O.I. OF
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY WORKPLACE
Working parents often have rich, valuable career experience
that’s worth protecting and investing in.
When they feel seen, safe, and set up to succeed:
They stay longer and lead better.
They become culture advocates and catalysts for their teams.
They’re deeply motivated — and perform accordingly.
Imagine a workplace where:
Talented parents return from leave feeling motivated, not sidelined.
Managers lead with empathy AND accountability.
HR teams can show real return on inclusive action.
THE PEOPLE PRACTICE GROUP OFFERS:
Practical tools
to support your teams, enhance collaboration and cultivate growth
Credible support
from someone who gets the HR and organisational context
A safe sounding board
a partner who can work alongside you and meet you where you are
Pragmatic solutions
not just theoretical philosophies
Tangible outcomes
so you can justify the investment to senior stakeholders
Parental leave coaching can increase return rates
to upwards of 90%*, retaining valuable employees
and knowledge, and improving engagement.
BRIGHT HORIZONS, 2023
*From an average return rate of 77%
Work with The People Practice Group
WAYS TO
Every organisation is different. Some need strategic guidance to align policy with practice. Others need direct support for their people - coaching for parents going on or returning from leave, or training for the managers who support them. Most need a blend of both. Here is what The People Practice Group Offers:
PARENTAL TRANSITION COACHING
Tailored coaching sessions for individuals or groups to support employees taking parental leave.
Each session is designed to help employees manage the transition smoothly, reintegrate confidently, and align their career goals with their new responsibilities, ensuring a successful balance between work and family life.
Support working parents through parental leave transitions. Help parents balance career growth with family priorities. Retain valuable talent.
The Parental Leave Toolkit is a comprehensive resource that complements the coaching programme, offering practical tools and insights to support individuals and their managers at every stage of the parental leave journey.
PARENTAL LEAVE TOOLKIT
By combining coaching exercises with tailored written resources, the toolkit ensures a seamless, supportive, and empowering experience, helping both employees and organisations thrive.
Practical Guidance for Every Stage
Step-by-step support for preparing for parental leave, navigating the leave period, and reintegrating into the workplace.
Resources for Parents AND Managers
Tailored tools, templates, and advice to help individuals feel confident and supported while equipping managers to provide consistent and effective support.
Focus on Career Continuity
Strategies to maintain career progression, enhance communication, and ensure a smooth transition back to work.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
For Managers of Parents in the Workplace
Managers play a crucial role in enabling team members to continue to perform at work alongside family responsibilities. They are key to engaging, retaining, and advancing the careers of working parents, particularly during the transition to parenthood.
Equip managers with tools to build supportive, inclusive workplaces.
Strengthen team engagement and productivity.
Develop strategies to attract, retain, and nurture top talent.
Create a workplace culture that people don’t want to leave.
Ad hoc offerings for workers with caregiving responsibilities
PARENT/CARER WORKPLACE SUPPORT
CLINICS & WORKSHOPS
Coaching Clinics
Designed to support parents and caregivers at any stage of parenthood, coaching clinics offer tailored sessions to help individuals best integrate work with family life. These are also open to managers to provide them with tools and insights to better support their teams.
Workshops
Live workshops on myriad key challenges including succeeding at work-life integration, managing stress, regaining confidence at work, and navigating flexible working. These sessions provide practical tools for both employees and managers, fostering a supportive environment where working parents can thrive professionally and personally.
CONSULTANCY
The People Practice Group specialises in:
> reviewing policies,
> conducting employee consultations, and
> assessing existing support for working parents.
By combining these insights, we craft tailored recommendations, best-practice guidelines, and a clear, actionable roadmap.
This helps organisations create inclusive, family-friendly workplaces that drive engagement and success.
Together we can:
Boost engagement and productivity by addressing the needs of working parents.
Provide actionable solutions to improve employee satisfaction and well-being.
Foster a supportive culture that aligns with organisational values and goals.
Drive long-term success with tailored strategies and best practices.
Start Now for FREE
Download your FREE guide:
5 No-Cost Solutions to Support & Retain Parents Returning to Work.
These are simple, no-cost strategies HR leaders can implement straight away —
and a first step towards building a truly supportive culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Parental transition coaching is inclusive of all parents who are navigating the arrival of a new addition to the family, and the impact that has both at home and at work.
Few experiences in adult life are as transformative as parenthood, and the impact doesn’t end after the newborn stage. So when support is offered that reflects and respects this, everyone benefits.
Parental transition coaching offers a supportive and non-judgemental environment where mothers and fathers can openly express their emotions, gain new perspectives, challenge self-limiting beliefs, and ultimately thrive as they navigate the transition into parenthood and manage the challenges of new working patterns and childcare responsibilities.
The transition to parenthood offers ample opportunities for personal growth, reflection, and positive change. Coaching will help parents proactively become more balanced, productive and engaged, helping to improve not only their wellbeing but their performance at work.
Sessions ideally take place pre-leave, during leave and post-leave.
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During our coaching sessions, we will work together to address a wide range of topics relevant to parental transitions and career aspirations.
This may also include exploring changing identity, managing time and priorities, setting realistic goals, establishing healthy boundaries, and enhancing communication skills.
We will delve into essential topics that look at current emotions, thoughts and beliefs, as parents navigate the transformative journey of parenthood, and look at their support systems to ensure a harmonious and fulfilling family life.
In the context of work and career, coaching will guide parents in developing effective strategies for creating a balanced home and work life. It will also focus on enhancing skills, creating a comprehensive career plan, identifying strengths, and fostering a sense of focus to achieve professional success.
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Policy is a starting point. But without day-to-day support, communication, and culture change, even the best policies fall flat — parents don’t feel they can actually use them or have clear direction on what they mean in day-to-day working life. The People Practice Group helps you activate what’s already in place and ensure it actually works for the people it’s meant to support.
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The cost of doing nothing is almost always higher. Turnover, disengagement, and lost productivity are expensive. Parental coaching, leadership training, and better support can improve retention, boost performance, and reduce the risk of talent loss—all measurable outcomes that justify the investment.
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Inclusivity for one group doesn’t mean exclusivity for others. This isn’t about special treatment. In fact, many of the strategies that support working parents—like clearer communication, more flexible working, and better leadership—create benefits across the whole workforce. When culture improves for parents, it improves for everyone.
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The business case for supporting working parents is clear and evidence-based. Hannah works with you to articulate the value in terms your stakeholders care about—retention, productivity, leadership capability—and provide the credibility and confidence to bring them on board.
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That’s exactly what The People Practice Group is here for. Whether you're early in the journey or looking to build on what’s already in place, Hannah brings clarity, structure, and next steps—without overwhelm or judgment.