Returning to work after maternity leave is not something you can fully prepare for.
Before I went on leave, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about coming back, or how quickly I would want to. Becoming a mother changes you in ways you cannot quite anticipate. What mattered most to me was having the space to focus on that first.
What I am grateful for is that there was never any pressure from PLG’s management team. We kept in touch during my leave, but the conversations were about how I was doing and how the baby was doing, not about targets or timelines. When the time came to talk about returning, the directors took a step-by-step approach with me. We agreed a loose timeframe, kept the dialogue open and made it clear that adjustments could be made if needed.
That flexibility allowed me to focus fully on becoming a mum. When I returned, I felt ready rather than rushed.
A Role That Fits
Before maternity leave, I was working as the property consultancy team leader, balancing property searches with reporting and leading the team. During discussions with management about my return, it became clear there was an opportunity to reshape a role to better suit both the business and my new working pattern.
Now, as Reports Manager, my focus is on building and refining our Property Market Analysis reports, Suitability reports and Pre-Purchase reports. The role is more concentrated, but it remains closely linked to the property finding work I was doing before.
Having worked directly with families, solicitors, case managers and occupational therapists throughout the search process, I understand what each party needs from a report and why it matters. That broader view helps ensure our reports are not only detailed, but meaningful and aligned with the wider strategy.
I also work closely with our architects to carry forward what we have learned about a family during the search stage. It is not simply about whether a property can technically be adapted. It is about how the space will function day-to-day and how it will feel to live in.
Why Reporting Is So Important
At PLG, reports are not an administrative exercise. They are the foundation for informed decision-making.
A Property Market Analysis establishes realistic budgets before a search begins, helping to avoid abortive costs and delays. A Suitability report tests whether a property genuinely meets the agreed criteria. A Pre-Purchase Report ensures we understand the full picture, helping to identify and mitigate any unforeseen costs before making a commitment. It also provides a solid basis for renegotiation where necessary.
When I am writing a pre-purchase report, I adopt the mindset of the buyer. I question everything and seek to understand every detail. That diligence protects the client’s position and supports confident decisions.
Ultimately, good reporting reduces uncertainty and provides clarity at moments when families and professional teams need it most.
A Different Perspective
Becoming a parent has inevitably influenced how I approach my work.
You realise almost instantly how fiercely you want the very best for your child. When working alongside families who are already navigating complex circumstances, that perspective deepens your understanding of what is at stake.
It reinforces why the smaller details matter, such as access to outdoor space, Proximity to amenities and the way internal and external spaces connect. These elements may not always sit at the centre of a formal brief, but they shape everyday life.
At the same time, reporting must remain factual, structured and robust. Balancing empathy with clarity is part of the responsibility of this role.
Looking Ahead
Returning on a phased basis while moving house at the same time has certainly been an adjustment. Having a clearly defined focus and the support of management has made that transition far smoother.
Success for me is straightforward. If our reports create clarity, reduce stress and help families and their professional teams move forward with confidence, then we are doing what we set out to do.
My focus now is on strengthening the smooth transition of the client’s journey through each milestone we support. Ensuring clients in rental accommodation remain supported as their circumstances evolve from initial housing needs, through to eventual home purchase, and onward to working with our architects to design and adapt their forever home.
A key priority is reinforcing the importance of early reporting at each stage to create a stress-free, seamless experience.
Because good reporting is not just about presenting information. It sets direction. It protects decisions. It underpins the entire client journey.
Stepping into this role has not felt like starting again. It has felt like building on experience with a clearer sense of balance and purpose.
And if our work helps a family feel more secure in the decisions ahead of them, then it is doing exactly what it should.
