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Career Returners Programme

Reignite your career at Markel

At Markel, we believe your experience is invaluable, no matter your journey.

Our Career Returners Programme is designed to help talented professionals based in the UK reignite their careers after an extended career break, offering tailored support, mentorship, and a welcoming environment where you can thrive.

Since our programme launched in 2024, we’ve hired five permanent colleagues across a range of roles, including underwriting, claims administration and change delivery, all of whom have made a huge impact since joining us.

What is the Career Returners programme?

Markel’s Career Returners Programme, delivered in partnership with Career Returners and the Insurance Families Network, supports professionals in the UK who have taken a career break of 18 months or more.

Whether your break was for family, health, education, personal wellbeing or growth, our programme provides a structured pathway back to a suitable role, with a built-in transition period and ongoing support.

Roles open for applications in January, with successful participants beginning the programme in May.

The programme includes:

 
  • Six-month ‘returnship’ with the opportunity for full-time employment at the end
  • Coaching sessions to rebuild professional identity and confidence
  • Mentorship from senior leaders and industry experts
  • Buddy system for day-to-day guidance and support
  • Tailored transition period to help you reintegrate at your own pace
See open roles and apply today

Susie Gatfield: Leading with style

Susie Gatfield, Underwriter, joined Markel through the Career Returners Programme in 2024 and quickly became an integral part of the Marine & Energy team.

In 2025, Susie was recognised with the 'Leading with Style' Markel London Market award for her exceptional work, mentorship, and positive attitude.

We asked Susie what made her want to stay on at Markel after her six-month programme.

She said “I wanted to stay on at Markel because of the people, who were welcoming from the outset. They helped me integrate quickly and feel like part of the team. Markel’s culture and values of honesty, hard work and sense of humour align with my own, and their pathways for progressing in your career make it somewhere you can stay and grow.”

Anette Cravioto Romero: From banking to underwriting 

Anette joined Markel’s Trade Credit Underwriting team through the Career Returners Programme in 2025, after a successful career in banking.

We asked Carl Titterton, Divisional Managing Director of Trade Credit, Political Risk & Surety what made Anette a great fit for his team.

Anette stood out because of her ability to assess risk and build strong relationships – skills that are just as critical in underwriting as they are in banking.


Carl Titterton, Divisional Managing Director of Trade Credit, Political Risk & Surety

He said: “Anette stood out because of her ability to assess risk and build strong relationships – skills that are just as critical in underwriting as they are in banking. We’re delighted to have her on the team and believe her success shows how thinking beyond traditional experience benefits everyone.”

Her journey is a powerful example of how the Career Returners programme can open doors for top talent with non-traditional experience, proving that transferable skills can lead to success in new industries, with the support of the programme.

Why choose Markel?

We’re proud to be the only insurer to offer underwriting roles through the programme in 2024 and 2025, with three underwriters hired permanently since the programme’s inception.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of our culture, and we’re recognised as a top-30 employer for women, wellbeing, development, and a best workplace in Financial Services & Insurance for 2025.

Apply now to join Markel’s Career Returners Programme and become part of a team that values your experience, supports your growth and celebrates your success.

Ready to return?

If you’re ready to reignite your career, we want to hear from you. 
Apply today
*The Career returners programme is currently only available in the UK. Applications open in January 2026.

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