Helping Service leavers succeed beyond the military

A year of impact and innovation

September 2024 marked the conclusion of the Forces Employment Charity’s delivery under the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) contract with Right Management. The Ministry of Defence appointed Reed in Partnership as the new prime contractor, and we were delighted to be selected to continue supporting Service leavers under the new contract, which began delivery in October 2024.

In the first year of the new contract, our teams within the CTP have not only adapted but also thrived, delivering transformative support to those transitioning from military service to civilian life. From surpassing performance KPIs to fostering unbreakable team unity, the results speak volumes: thousands of lives positively impacted, and heartfelt client stories that remind us why this work is so important. This is the story of resilience, creativity, and commitment in action.

CTP Assist: exceeding expectations

For CTP Assist, our team helping Personnel on Recovery Duty, the past year was one of transformation. Despite operational changes associated with delivering under a new contract, the team consistently exceeded KPIs, helping 95% of clients achieve their preferred vocational outcome within six months of leaving the service, well above the contractual KPI of 80%. Outcomes were not just met; they were exceeded.

This success was underpinned by the team’s unity and professionalism. Maintaining full team retention ensured continuity and stability for clients, while the introduction of a new style Recovery Transition Workshop (RTW) brought fresh energy and effectiveness to the programme. Over the year, 29 RTWs were delivered, across Personnel Recovery Centres for their quality and impact.

Behind the numbers

Statistics tell one story, but the voices of those we support tell another, one of hope, trust, and transformation. As one client shared:

“My SEC supported me throughout my transition from military service to starting my civilian career. Their guidance was invaluable as we explored different career routes and pathways that matched my interests. They helped me learn how to search for jobs, complete applications, and prepare for interviews, making the whole process much more manageable. Without their support, I truly don’t believe I would have achieved my dream job.”

These words capture the essence of our mission: to make every transition not just possible, but positive.

Future Horizons: building stability

Through dedication and teamwork, our CTP Future Horizons Employment Advisors ensured that all those who had served less than four years in the Services were fully supported on their journey back to civilian life. Many of these clients are young adults, typically between 17 and 22 years old, and we helped them understand their options for employment, training, or education. We worked with them on a one-to-one basis to understand their goals and provided advice and guidance to help them achieve them.

Behind this delivery lies a story of adaptability. The team recruited three new Employment Advisors and promoted one to Manager from within the team. Despite changes to the contract and new personnel, they maintained strong cohesion and shared responsibility across the UK, ensuring no client was left behind.

“I just want to say how much I thank you for your help with my CV as reading it now, it sounds so much more professional and to the point which is what employers want. Thank you for reviewing my CV, I just want to reiterate how much I appreciate your help.”

“You’ll be pleased to hear I have successfully secured a position at a Greene King restaurant as a server, my first shift is tomorrow where I will receive my rota, my training and the confirmation of how much I’ll be getting paid. Thank you so much for your help these past few weeks.”

Resilience, creativity, and commitment

When asked about the proudest achievement of the year, one theme emerged: resilience. Transitioning to a new contract brought considerable change, yet our staff responded with professionalism, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to clients. Their ability to adapt and maintain high standards throughout this period stands as a testament to their dedication and collective strength.

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