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Forces Employment Charity to host flagship career event to support women from the Armed Forces community

The Forces Employment Charity will host its flagship Women into Employment event on 5^th June, as part of a wider campaign series designed to develop sustainable and fulfilling career opportunities for women from the Armed Forces community.

Chaired by Sky News Anchor Kimberly Leonard, the event will enable participants to hear from future-focused business leaders. Speakers will include representatives from sponsors Centrica, Sky and J.P. Morgan, about the value and merits of hiring talent from the Military community, as well as opportunities for female talent within their organisations.

Attendees will hear first-hand stories from inspirational women like Liz McConaghy, who have successfully transitioned from military to civilian employment.

Additional speakers will also be offering vital tips and advice during sector-specific breakout sessions. These will provide an understanding of different roles, and clear pathways into each industry sector, to help attendees plan the next stage of their career journey.

Breakout sessions include:

‘Women Returners’ to work
Getting into the C-Suite
Succeed in project management
Opportunities in tech
Yours’ and others’ wellbeing in the workplace
Finding your purpose in the public and third sector
Careers tackling climate change
Being your own Boss
Leading in civilian teams

As well as offering multiple networking opportunities throughout the day, attendees will also be given the chance to take part in a quick-fire pitch to senior business leaders during the final session of the day.

Chloe Mackay, Deputy Chief Executive at the Forces Employment Charity, says: “Women into Employment has grown in popularity, year on year, with the experiences of some attendees having been truly transformational. We are really looking forward to delivering an exceptional programme this year, at what looks set to be our biggest and best event to date.”

It is the third time the charity has hosted the event and the first time the charity has been able to hold the event in person since Covid.

Laura Blair, Head of Centrica’s Ex-Forces Pathway and a veteran herself says: “Centrica is incredibly proud to headline sponsor Women into Employment 2023; the talent and transferable skills that exist right across the Armed Forces community is exceptional, bringing significant value and diversity of experience to businesses across the UK. In our drive towards Net Zero we are actively engaging with and hiring ex-military; they have an impressive array of attributes that we value enormously.”

For information regarding how to sign up to attend the free event, as well as a pre-event networking evening on May 11^th, visit: www.forcesemployment.org.uk/events

This year we’re marking Month of the Military Child with a brand new set of resources, to help young people from military families with their next career step.

The EM3 Veterans and Families team is here to help young people from military families who face ever-changing situations, frequent moves, education gaps, separation from social networks and parents. From military families themselves the team understands the importance of supporting young people (16 – 24 years old).

Through extra education, training and expanding the pool of employment choices through one-to-one support, young people are supported to plan a clearer future.

Resources created for Month of the Military Child will be tailored to help those with little to no work experience or those who have been out of work for a while. The resources will include:

How to write a CV
How to write a cover letter
How and where to look for jobs
How to manage your first interview

We will also be doing a social media takeover including insights from people, staff and public figures, who grew up in Military families, talking about their experiences, how the experience shaped their careers and any advice they have for those from a similar background.

Joanne McLeod, EM3 Armed Forces and Families Programme Manager at Forces Employment Charity, says:

“As a Military spouse, I understand the unique challenges that affect Forces families. From frequent house moves, to needing to fit in and make friends quickly, there can be a lot to manage. This can be particularly challenging for service children, who are moving schools, skipping parts of the curriculum and leaving behind their social networks. However, living in such unique circumstances also equips the Military community with an incredible skill set that can set them apart from other job seekers.

Our role at the Forces Employment Charity is to help people recognise those skills and find the best possible way to present themselves to employers, to maximise their chances of success. This is especially important for those just starting out, such as Military young people and for Early Service Leavers. I am delighted that we are able to offer a new and specialist set of resources to support this group in celebration of the Month of the Military Child.”

Come back next week for the first downloadable resource for Month of the Military Child, ‘How To Write a CV’, with tips and tricks from our specialist Advisors!

Following a robust procurement exercise, NHS England has appointed the Forces Employment Charity to deliver Op NOVA, an England wide service for veterans pre and post prison custody.

This non-clinical service, which launches on 1 April 2023, builds on existing provision to improve the identification and support of veterans pre and post prison custody. Working together with NHS services across integrated care systems, including Armed Forces health and health and justice services, as well as charities and other organisations, Op NOVA provides a single point of contact for veterans, who, following an assessment, will have a comprehensive support plan developed for them that is overseen by a care and support co-ordinator.

Chloe Mackay, Deputy Chief Executive at the Forces Employment Charity says:

“We at the Forces Employment Charity are thrilled to have been awarded funding from the NHS for the next five years to deliver Op NOVA, a service that supports veterans in the justice system across England. We are delighted that Care After Combat have agreed to be our subcontractor, linking with veterans in prison so that they can be supported across the crisis point of prison release.

Since 2014 our programme Project Nova has supported over 5000 veterans in five regions in England, providing one-to-one support and enabling them to access healthcare, housing and employment, working with police forces, statutory organisations and partner charities. We are pleased to be able to extend and expand this support across all of England.

Our work with the NHS places the Forces Employment Charity as a leading champion of veterans in the justice system, and continues our provision of life-changing and often life-saving support to this demographic on a wider scale.”

Both the service and its name have been informed by engagement with veterans and their families, as well as those working in this area.

Find out more about Op NOVA.

The Forces Employment Charity and TechVets are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with skills innovator Multiverse, designed to transform your career and boost your visibility as a highly-skilled veteran in the workplace.

Together, we’re thrilled to offer our fantastic community the chance to receive up to £35,000 worth of professional development, where you’ll gain essential technical skills building digital & data capabilities and learn how to apply these new skills directly to your role to maximise impact and ROI.

What’s on offer?

To turbocharge your career with fully-funded development, register for one of the incredible programmes here:

NB: Please do not try to apply for any programme via the links above, please speak with [email protected] to ensure you have the correct application link before getting started!

Who can apply?

If you’re part of the veteran community, including families and spouses, and currently in employment, you’re eligible for these fully-funded courses.

How do I apply?

Step 1 – review the eligibility criteria

Review Multiverse’s eligibility guidelines to ensure you meet their criteria.

Step 2 – register your interest in a place

Sign up for yourself, your direct report, or up to ten members of your team here. You’ll be invited to our Spotlight Session to find out more about the courses and help you start your application to join the right programme for you.

Step 3 – discuss time commitment with your manager

Introduce your manager to Multiverse and work with them on a joint success plan to ensure you’re able to carve out ~6 hours/week and have discussed how the programme will fit into your professional development goals.

Step 4 – submit your application by midnight on Wednesday 31 May 2023

Review the application guidelines to ensure you have the right documentation handy, then sign up via the programme links above, choosing ‘Veterans-Multiverse’ as your company name.

You’ll receive the application link once you’ve attended a programme Spotlight Session.

Step 5 – programme starts 26 – 30 June

Candidates will be notified of their application status prior to programme start date.

Not ready to apply?

Multiverse is running an information session for anyone who’d like to find out more:

Thursday 4 May 2023 at 1400 – https://multiverse-io.zoom.us/j/2547076820

If you are part of the veteran community, looking for your next step but don’t yet know how these programmes can support you, register your interest at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch with future opportunities as they develop.

For further information, please get in touch with [email protected] stating your current situation or speak to your Forces Employment Charity advisor.

Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) is working with QinetiQ and Cranfield University to learn more about Life Skills within the Armed Forces Community.

We are seeking currently serving personnel and the spouses and partners of currently serving personnel (aged 18 and over) to take part in an anonymous online survey about Life Skills.

Life Skills are skills that are useful for everyday life and for gaining employment. They include things like problem-solving, managing money, resilience, adaptability, communicating clearly, coming across well at interviews, digital skills etc.

Findings will help our understanding of the current level of Life Skills within the Armed Forces Community and the Life Skills that are perceived to be most important in supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families to make the transition to civilian life. This will inform future Life Skills programmes, practices and policies.

The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. It asks you about your Life Skills and your view on which skills are most important. Taking part is voluntary. The survey can be completed at a time that is convenient for you. It is not a test and there is no time limit.

For more information and to complete the survey: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/ki13ez

Since October 2014, the Forces Employment Charity and Walking With The Wounded have worked together to deliver Project Nova, an initiative which provides wounded, injured and sick and other vulnerable former armed service personnel who have been arrested or are at risk of arrest, support with the intention of preventing reoffending.

We are hugely proud of what we pioneered together, supporting 6,032 clients and employing 35 specialist staff working with 22 police services around the UK.

We are entering a new phase as Walking With The Wounded steps back from Project Nova, recognising that Project Nova is a complex programme which requires the single and robust leadership of the Forces Employment Charity. Walking With The Wounded is proud to have been there at the inception, and as we jointly built the foundations with the Forces Employment Charity. WWTW looks forward to watching the future with the Forces Employment Charity as the sole operator.

Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund has supported the Families Programme since its launch in 2019.

The Families Programme supports spouses and partners of serving and ex-Forces personnel. Frequent moves can impact their ability to build careers. Many experience challenge finding jobs and face extra barriers when returning to work. Securing roles that meet the needs and aspirations can be challenging.

The Families Programme is delivered by dedicated Advisors who are military spouses themselves. They provide expert one-to-one employment advice and guidance.

Lee Johnston, Families Programme Advisor for the South West says;

“I am so proud of every spouse and partner that has signed up for the Families Programme to achieve their goals. Whether big or small, short-term, or long-term. To do with finding that big job or helping improve their confidence. We will continue to offer support so every spouse and partner can access employment.”

The Advisors work with beneficiaries to deliver a tailored employment service. This includes bespoke career and training diagnostics and application support. Beneficiaries receive corporate coaching and mentoring opportunities. The Families Team provides networking opportunities through links to local businesses. Members can also access our extensive database of nationwide employers.

The Families Programmes is incredibly successful

Starting in Plymouth, the Programme aimed to support 60 beneficiaries. Fast forward to 2023, the Families team now operates throughout the UK. Last year we supported 431 spouses, partners and widows with their employment journey.

The Forces Employment Charity is elated that Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund has agreed to continue supporting the Programme.

Ed Butler CBE DSO, Chair of the Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund says:

“Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund is delighted to continue our longstanding support of Forces Employment Charity’s Families Programme. The impact the programme makes to the lives of veterans’ families is transformational and we are proud that our partnership will continue to reach individuals across the Armed Forces community.”

Read more about the Families Programme and ways in which to get involved.

The Forces Employment Charity is delighted to have been awarded the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award. In demonstrating our support for the military community, we have:

Amended HR policies. We now offer an extra ten days of paid leave to Reservists and cadet adult volunteers.
Supported 25,322 members of the military community into employment in 2022.
Advocated on behalf of Defence, collaborating with partners and stakeholders.
Carried out an education piece for businesses and hiring managers. We explained the employment barriers faced by military spouses and partners. In doing so, we adapted our procedures. We now ensure that we are an attractive employer for the Forces community.

A spouse’s story

“Embarking on an overseas move from Cyprus to the UK comes with its own set of challenges. Employment could be one of them. Thankfully settling into my role at the Forces Employment Charity was straightforward. Whilst in Cyprus, I applied for the role of Development Officer. I was selected for interview. The HR team understood my circumstances and arranged to interview me online. I was delighted to have been offered the role. My line manager pushed my start date back to ensure I had the time to complete my overseas move. I was able to settle into my new home and support my child with his transition into a new primary school.

From the get-go, I was supported and welcomed into the team. Having an employer who understands military life is invaluable. I’m so grateful. Thank you for the opportunity”

Military Spouse – Forces Employment Charity.

We take our commitment to Defence seriously. We are building on the momentum, striving for Gold in future rotations.

The Awards

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support Defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver, and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Bronze Award – Pledging your support to become a forces-friendly employer.
Silver – Demonstrating your commitment to Defence.
Gold – Advocating on behalf of Defence.

Make a tangible difference to the military community, and see how your firm can get involved by visiting The Armed Forces Covenant website.

In July 2022, Kearney approached the Forces Employment Charity’s Executive Services team. They wanted consultative advice and support to develop a military talent pipeline for their global management consulting firm. Adam Wellesley-Wood, Manager at Kearney writes:

When challenged to focus on recruiting more veterans, there was only one logical place to talk to – the Forces Employment Charity. Their brand, database of talent and marketing access sets them above the rest.

Our recommendation was to run two bespoke recruitment events. One event would be suitable for those seeking Senior Analyst/Associate level roles within Kearney’s MEA Aerospace, Defence, and Security practice, based in Dubai. The second would be for senior executives seeking opportunities in Defence Advisory roles within the practice.

The Executive Services team worked with Kearney to design, plan, market and, in September 2022, run the two events. This included a pre-sift of the attendees to ensure their suitability for the roles. Adam spoke about the process after, stating:

The Forces Employment Charity was integral throughout the process and a fantastic partner organisation: I highly recommend them. They supported us with wise counsel and advice and delivered to challenging deadlines, which ensured the success of the event.

Kearney flew in many of their team to attend both events. Kearney partners and AD&S practice leads Raffi Boladian and Chady Daccache presented, and a team of ex-military Kearney consultants gave an overview of the practice, roles and why military veterans make such good candidates.

Held at The Cavalry and Guards Club, 82 delegates attended across both evenings. The feedback from attendees was positive, with many commenting on how useful and insightful the event was and the great opportunity it offered for potential candidates to meet and speak directly with members of the team.

Attendees submitted their CVs in advance, and we can report that Kearney has so far hired six candidates from the 30 candidates taken forward for further case coaching and interview. In total, they received 110 applicants.

Both senior partners have confirmed that they would like to run this event annually in partnership with Forces Employment Charity Executive Services. Together we will develop a long-term strategic partnership to raise their profile among the Armed Forces community and sustain their military talent pipeline.

The Executive Services team was a pleasure to work with and understood us as an organisation and what we wanted to achieve. I look forward to a long-term strategic partnership on the back of this success. – Adam Wellesley-Wood

Would you like to know more?

Register to find out more about how the Forces Employment Charity can support you and your company in developing and sustaining a military talent pathway or programme.

Uber has partnered with the Forces Employment Charity to help service leavers, veterans and reservists into meaningful, flexible civilian work.
Uber drivers have the flexibility and independence to choose when and where they drive, whilst being guaranteed a minimum wage, a pension plan, holiday pay and free insurance to cover sickness, injury and new parent payments.
Veterans will be able to access free degree-level Open University Courses while driving on Uber, helping them learn new skills for future roles as they move into the civilian workforce.

LONDON (Dec 08, 2022) – Uber today announced a new partnership with the Forces Employment Charity to provide targeted support to help military veterans transition into flexible civilian work.

Every year around 15,000 individuals leave military service. Many transition to civilian life with ease, whilst others require additional support to find employment. The Forces Employment Charity provides life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving, to enable them to find employment success.

In support of this, Uber has created a new Veterans Pathway to help them on the road to civvy street. The partnership will help former military personnel to apply the substantial skills and experience acquired during their military careers to new opportunities.

Veterans signing up through the new pathway will have the total flexibility to choose if, when and where they work. But they will also have the opportunity to unlock a range of benefits, including:

£2,500 for their first month if they complete 200 trips.
An additional £750 sign up reward once they complete their first 50 trips in the first 90 days.
A guarantee to always earn at least the National Living Wage with financial top ups from Uber if required, although 99% of drivers can and do earn more.
Access to enrollment into a worker pension scheme with contributions from Uber, alongside driver contributions.
Holiday pay based on 12.07% of their weekly earnings (after expenses) to reflect statutory holiday pay.
Access to free Partner Protection insurance through our third party provider in case of sickness, accident or injury and Parental payments for new mums and dads to support the cost of a new arrival.

Andrew Brem, General Manager, Uber UK, said: “We have huge respect and admiration for those who have served the United Kingdom, and recognise the unique qualities and abilities of those in the veteran community. We believe that these qualities, such as discipline, reliability and resourcefulness, make ex-service personnel hugely valuable members of any workforce with a great amount to offer. By providing access to flexible earning opportunities to help veterans start their careers we’re hoping to play our part in supporting those who have served as they transition into civilian careers.”

Alistair Halliday, CEO of Forces Employment Charity, said: “Veterans leave the Military with an abundance of skills and attributes that are often highly transferable and incredibly sought after in the civilian world. However, we know that veterans can sometimes struggle to recognise how their skills fit within a civilian role. It is fantastic that Uber is actively opening up opportunities for the Military community, in recognition of how much veterans can contribute to the workforce. We are delighted to be involved in this new partnership and look forward to seeing the impact it will have in the long-term.”

Under the scheme, Uber will help veterans who wish to sign up to become Uber drivers, with tailored support, guidance and financial benefits as part of their transition into meaningful work in civilian life

Veterans who go on to become Diamond Drivers on Uber Pro will then get access to free Open University Courses to help them find new opportunities or learn new skills as they earn on Uber. The Open University and Uber partnership means drivers or a family member will be able to take a fully funded undergraduate degree-level course to enable them to take that next step.

Veterans will also get dedicated support with the onboarding and licensing process to get them earning on the Uber platform as soon as possible. Uber has 21 Greenlight Hubs in 19 major cities across the UK where veterans can visit to access expert support from their network.

To find out more, visit Uber’s Veterans’ Pathway.