I find it useful to maintain contact with JPBD and my colleagues throughout my study leave. This will help to sustain my interest in going back to work and will make my eventual return much easier. There are many ways of keeping in touch - reading the my latest department news via website, scanning reports of conferences and training events and browsing news updates on the company website. It's also a good idea to accept social invitations and develop my network of colleagues, both inside and outside the organisation.
When it's time to return, try to organise a re-entry period, which might involve covering for holidays or working part-time for a while. I could also ask for a nominated member of staff to act as a mentor during my crucial early days back in harness. It's also important to arrange a meeting with a few senior officers to discuss how my role may have changed since I were last at work and how I can best use the skills and personal qualities I have acquired while on study leave.
