Professional services firm Ernst & Young has launched a new maternity coaching scheme for its staff in a bid to retain talented women.

The programme offers four tailored coaching sessions, which take place before, during and after their maternity leave covering issues ranging from managing relationships with clients and colleagues, to exploring alternative work patterns, and re-integrating into the workplace.

Line managers with someone in their team going on maternity leave, also attend a coaching session on how to provide the right level of contact and support.

Liz Bingham, partner sponsor of the programme at Ernst & Young, says: “Gender diversity isn’t just an issue in the boardroom. It’s vital that organisations create talent pipelines to ensure that high-potential women are being developed at every level through their careers.

“We want to ensure that all our people, at every stage of their personal and professional lives are supported and are able to make informed choices about their career development.”