Category: News

Hearing from our veteran community is vital and that is why the government has launched a UK-wide Veterans’ Survey.

This is the first-ever exercise to collect feedback from the veterans’ community across the UK coordinated by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The online survey is to be launched on 10 November and will be live for 12 weeks. The survey gives ex-UK armed forces personnel and their families the opportunity to provide direct feedback to the government on their experiences, access to and use of services for veterans.

Responses to the survey will help us better understand the experiences, needs and well-being of our veteran community, and guide future action.

It is important we hear a wide range of views and we would like to encourage as many ex-UK armed forces veterans and their families to share feedback as possible. Your views matter, so please take part today. Complete the Veterans’ Survey on the ONS website.

Information for those taking part

What is this survey about?

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are carrying out this important survey of veterans and veterans’ families.

The Veterans’ Survey covers a range of topics related to the circumstances and lifestyles of people who have left the UK armed forces, commonly known as veterans. When we mention veterans during the survey, we mean people who have served in the UK armed forces and have since left service. You do not need to have seen active combat or been in the armed forces in a particular role or rank. If you have served for one day, are aged 18 years or over and live in the UK, you can take part.

The questions in the survey ask about access to services and circumstances since leaving the armed forces. The survey also asks about your lifestyle, health, and well-being.

The Veterans’ Families Survey covers similar topics but is for family members to give their views.

Why should I take part?

The UK government wants to make the UK the best place for veterans to live by 2028. Change has already started. For the first time, Census 2021 counted UK armed forces veterans, which is important. We need to build on the census count. By learning more from a wide range of veterans and their families, we can learn how to better support everyone who leaves the UK armed forces. It is vital you take part.

By taking part in this survey, you will help us to produce statistics about the lives of the armed forces community, veterans and their families. Government departments, public bodies and charities will use the anonymous findings from this survey to make plans.

This is your unique opportunity to tell us about your experiences. Your responses will provide information not available from any other sources. Do not miss your chance to have your say.

What will I be asked?

The survey will cover a range of topics, including:

• awareness of ex-armed forces support
• access to services
• have you seen active service?
• have you been bullied or harassed?
• have you been discriminated against?
• access to employment
• access to housing
• work
• health and well-being
• interactions with the criminal justice system
• finances
• lifestyle

Not everyone will be asked all these questions. If you are a family member of a veteran, you will be asked about your experiences living with a veteran or being related to a veteran.

There are some voluntary questions that cover sensitive issues such as workplace bullying. If you are uncomfortable with any of the questions, you can always leave them out. We have made sure you do not need any specialist knowledge to take part.

You only need to answer the questions you want to. There are no right or wrong answers – your honest responses are vital for us to produce reliable statistics about veterans and their families.

You will never be asked for bank details or credit card information. You will never be asked for your passport or other documents.

When do I need to complete the survey by?

It helps us if you complete the survey as soon as possible on or after 9 November 2022 but the survey will be open for up to 12 weeks.

The information you provide will be treated as confidential in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

You can complete this survey on a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. If you need to, you can stop and come back to the survey later.

If you need a paper copy or need help, you can call our Survey Enquiry Line on 0800 085 7376. See our section on Further help for opening hours.

I do not have access to the internet, but I want to take part

If you have access to the internet via a smartphone or other means (such as via a local library or internet cafe), you will be able to take part in the survey.

We have some paper copies of the questionnaire. If you cannot complete online or need help, you can telephone our Survey Enquiry Line on 0800 085 7376. See our section on Further help for opening hours.

Unfortunately, there are no paper questionnaires for veterans’ families for this survey.

Can I complete the survey in Welsh?

Yes, the online survey is available in Welsh. You will be able to choose to complete it in Welsh at any point in the survey. Once you click “Start Now” at the top of this page, choose the language option for Welsh.

Useful link for further support

If you or a family member needs further veteran support, there is a 24-hour service available.

The Veterans’ Gateway is for any ex-service personnel and their families looking for advice or support – whatever they are dealing with. They provide the first point of contact to a network of military and non-military partner organisations to help you find exactly what you need, when you need it – whether you are in the UK or overseas. For 24-hour support go to Veterans’ Gateway or call 0808 802 1212.

A host of stars and influencers, such as Sophie Ellis Bextor, Anneka Rice and Sammy Winward, are showing their support for Remembrance Day this year by backing a national poppy pebble painting initiative, led by the Forces Employment Charity.

The Poppy Pebbles project invites schools, veterans and the public alike, to paint a poppy on a pebble and place it on a war memorial, or headstone of a veteran, as a way of commemorating Remembrance Day.

Those taking part are encouraged to undertake research into identifying and visiting local war graves in their area via the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, finding out information about the veteran who was buried there.

Colin Back, National Manager of Project Nova at the Forces Employment Charity who devised the initiative says:
“The Poppy Pebbles project initially started life as a mindfulness activity during lockdown for some of our more vulnerable veteran clients, who we support into employment. However, we found that the idea really struck a chord with the public more generally and now sees people taking part all over the country, from all walks of life, as their way of commemorating Remembrance. We are delighted that this year the Poppy Pebbles project has also captured the imagination of some famous faces too, who are helping us encourage more people than ever to get involved.”

For more information, including a free Poppy Pebbles resource pack, click here.

To donate to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, visit: www.rbl.org.uk/poppyappeal and click on ‘Donate’.

Project Nova launches new partnership with Kent Police

Project Nova recently partnered with Kent Police to provide support to vulnerable veterans in the Kent region.

Project Nova, delivered by the Forces Employment Charity, is a unique programme which offers help to veterans who come into contact with the justice system – from risk of arrest, entering police custody, to release from prison. It also supports veterans who have self-referred or been referred by specialist police teams or other statutory organisations, because they are at risk of arrest or identified as vulnerable.

For most veterans, the transition to civilian life is usually successful. Sadly, for some, the transition can be less smooth and factors such as housing problems and homelessness, debt, health issues such as mental illness and PTSD, or drug and alcohol misuse, can lead some veterans to be at risk of offending, or experiencing vulnerabilities.

The Ministry of Justice and Her Majesties Inspector of Prisons estimate that between 4% and 6% of the prison population is made up of veterans. Crimes committed vary but can have an impact on the wider community, making Project Nova an important point of intervention and support.

Colin Back, National Manager for Project Nova says, “We know from our extensive experience of working with veterans across the UK, that ex-Forces can be reluctant to engage with mainstream support services, as they do not feel that their life experience is well understood. With the support of Kent Police we can help vulnerable local veterans by preventing them from reaching the point of arrest, by tackling the social issues at the root cause of social unrest. This will, in turn, improve the lives of everyone in the Kent area, and beyond, by reducing offending amongst those who have Served.”

Assistant Chief Constable Tracey Harman from Kent Police added, “We are delighted to have partnered up with Project Nova. This programme will provide the much needed support to veterans of the armed forces, to make changes to their lives and access support through health and specialist services.”

Upon receiving a referral, Project Nova caseworkers undertake a holistic needs assessment to establish what support is required by the individual, followed by emotional and practical support offered through a network of services, statutory organisations, and charities. Project Nova caseworkers understand the experiences of ex-Service personnel both during and after their military careers – empathy which gives veterans the strength they need to make positive changes to their lives.

In addition to Kent, Project Nova has been rolled out across the East of England, the North East, the North West, Lincoln, Devon and Cornwall and South Yorkshire and Humberside.

Find out more about the programme: www.projectnova.org.uk

Charity combination offers exciting employment opportunities for the military community

 

Following the announcement earlier in the year that two of the most respected Military charities in the country would combine, RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity and the Officers’ Association have now officially launched as a new single entity, the Forces Employment Charity.

Marked by a launch event at Drapers’ Hall in London, the unveiling of the combined charity marks an exciting turning point for the Forces Employment Charity as it bolsters its offering, which now spans 14 specialist programmes, to provide greater levels of employment support to the Military community.

 

Programmes include:

• CTP Future Horizons – supporting Early Service Leavers

• CTP Assist – supporting wounded injured and sick Service leavers

• Employer Engagement Team – supporting 9,500 employers

• Executive Services – for those with potential for senior management

• Ex-Forces Employment Support and Specialist Vocational Advisors for vulnerable veterans

• Project Nova and Regroup for veterans in Criminal Justice System and their partners

• Forces for London – supporting unemployed veterans in London

• Families Programme – supporting partners (including widows) of serving and retired Armed Forces

• Military Women Programme – supporting female veterans

• TechVets – supporting veterans into the tech/ cyber industry

• EM3 – supporting veterans, partners and service children in M3 area

• Afghans into Employment – supporting Afghans with a defence connection

 

Speaking at the launch event, Alistair Halliday, Chief Executive of the Forces Employment Charity, said: “We know that there are many veterans who transition very easily and go straight into rewarding civilian jobs. There are others, however, who are more vulnerable and need more tailored support, and we have a number of programmes to support their needs, all the way through their working lives. From early Service leavers, to those who come into contact with the Criminal Justice System, no matter what rank or rate, or reasons for leaving, we support everyone with our work, which is life changing and can also be life saving.”

Last year the charity supported over 21,000 ex-Forces and their families and created more than 97,000 job opportunities specifically suited to their skills and attributes.

The Forces Employment Charity exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, the Forces Employment Charity has the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. It works in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like the Forces Employment Charity, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.

RFEA thanks J.P. Morgan for supporting the Forces for London programme

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity has been able to respond to a surge in demand for help from veterans in London, thanks to the support of J.P. Morgan.

The global leader in financial services has helped fund RFEA’s Forces For London programme to that the charity can respond to the challenges facing London’s veterans, brought on as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Office for National Statistics, for the three months ending August 2021, the highest unemployment rate in the UK was in London at 5.8%. The number of payrolled jobs in London fell by 214,000, with central boroughs being the worst affected.

Veterans have been adversely impacted by this, with many losing their jobs, being underemployed on zero-hour contracts, in temporary or insecure work, or furloughed with risk of redundancy.

As a result, RFEA’s bespoke Forces For London programme saw a huge rise in demand for its services (55.5% and 63.17% increase in registrations for support in the first two quarters of 2021). As well as rising demand in registrations, the Forces for London programme also saw an increase in the complexity of needs of those registering, with more veterans seeking help for welfare, wellbeing and digital support issues.

Gaining meaningful and sustainable employment is crucial to ensuring a successful transition from the Armed Forces and with support from RFEA and the Forces For London programme, London’s veterans are armed with the practical skills, knowledge, and resilience to achieve a fulfilling second career.

The bespoke assistance provided by RFEA’s Forces For London programme includes career diagnostics; individual employability and employment case-working support; access to vocational training funding; and brokerage to suitable and sustainable volunteering and work placements, or jobs leveraging our extensive database of forces-friendly employers and opportunities generated by RFEA’s Employer Relationship Managers.

Alistair Halliday, Chief Executive of RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity says, “We know that veterans in the Capital often face a unique set of challenges when entering this civilian workforce, which is why we have our dedicated Forces for London programme there to offer tailored support to ex-Forces in this area. The pandemic hit the London jobs market particularly hard, so we are incredibly grateful to the support of J.P. Morgan, which has meant we have been able to continue to offer all the support London’s job-seeking veterans need, so they can bounce-back from this challenging period and thrive in fulfilling and meaningful employment.”

Aaron Stokes, Vice President, COO, Senior Business Manager for Digital Client Services, Credit, Rates and Regulatory Reporting for Global Markets Operations, joined J.P. Morgan 1st March 2021, spent three years in the Royal Air Force before leaving in December 2012. He says:

“I had no Military connections before joining the Services. I had finished education and still working but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as I wanted a change when an advisor suggested the RAF. It sounded like a challenging and exciting career that included travel, competitive pay, subsidised learning and an opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself. All of those things are important to me, so it sounded like a win-win!

“I enjoyed my time and experiences in the RAF. I learned great skills in my roles within project management and resourcing & compliance management and met nice people with a good mindset. I knew after some time it wasn’t what I wanted to do for a career in the long term though, as, ultimately, I wanted to have more control over what I did and how I did it.

“My transition wasn’t what I expected. I found a role in banking, which was an industry I had been considering, so in that respect my transition was smooth. However, with hindsight, I realise that my lack of insight into and knowledge of the corporate world, meant the role I went into wasn’t quite right for me, but there was so much I didn’t know back then. Had I known then about the many services that are available to help ex-Forces, as well as if there had been as many corporate programmes and schemes, I think my career would have been different and taken a different trajectory.

“As veterans, we don’t always like to ask for help. There can be pride, which is hard to get past, and a fear of taking time or money away from others that need it, but it’s important that veterans know that anyone can need help and that there is specialist support out there.

“I suffered a serious injury which left me disabled and unable to work for a few months. Unfortunately, I was employed on a contract basis at the time, so someone suggested I get in touch with the Royal British Legion (RBL) for support. I thought charity was only for people with long-term disabilities, loss of limbs etc., but RBL helped me with funding for training and also put me in touch with RFEA’s Forces for London programme which supports and enables veterans to find meaningful employment.

“The Forces for London team were so helpful, always checking in on me to see how I was, even when I wasn’t very responsive. Knowing they were there, and that they cared, made all the difference. Being employed helps with everything. It is a core staple in people’s lives that can really make the difference in terms of being able to fend for themselves and pick themselves back up when they need to.

“What drew me to the company was that it has a great culture. People were happy to help and very generous, spending time with me over coffee. It is also really diverse, with a truly global team and lots of senior female leaders, which I found inspiring. It also doesn’t feel like a massive corporation, it just feels like a great place to work.

“I’m now the Veterans Charitable and Community Co-Lead for EMEA, the Client Lead for the Force For Good project working with RFEA to help them upgrade their tech and business processes (which will in turn help them help more Veterans), a passionate advocate for Veterans and Athletes at the firm and also delighted that I was able to help RFEA be successful in receiving funding from J.P. Morgan, to help even more veterans, just like they helped me.”

 

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity is offering a brand-new series of employment webinars throughout August.

Led by RFEA’s EM3 Armed Forces Veterans and Families team, the aim of the initiative is to help demystify employment and education for people, especially the Military community, in the Hampshire and Surrey areas.

Each session will explain various routes into employment in industries such as the media, medical technology, construction and software sectors and will be led by different speakers, including those from Field Crafting, _nology, KpH Deconstruction Services Ltd and Morgan Innovation and Technology.

RFEA’s EM3 programme supports veterans, military partners and spouses, and children as part of wider plans to lead economic recovery in the M3 region by growing a skilled population in digital enterprises (including medical technology and gaming), sustainable construction and low carbon, and space and satellite industries.

Joanne McLeod, EM3 Armed Forces Veterans and Families Programme Manager at RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity says, “There is a huge military community across Hampshire and Surrey, with some very talented and highly skilled people who may simply not know what options are available to them, or perhaps where to start. We’d encourage anyone who is curious about a new career to get involved in the webinar series.”

Starting on Wednesday 10^th August at 1pm, the four-part webinar series entitled ‘Alternative routes into employment’ will take place each subsequent Wednesday via social media, streaming across RFEA’s Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube channels. For more information visit www.rfea.org.uk/em3

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity has launched a brand new campaign, One is Too Many, in a new drive to tackle veteran suicide as part of its Project Nova programme. Project Nova is a specialist initiative which offers tailored support to some of the country’s most vulnerable veterans.

For most veterans, the transition to civilian life is usually successful. Sadly, for some, the transition can be less smooth and factors such as housing problems and homelessness, debt, health issues e.g. mental illness and PTSD, or drug and alcohol misuse, can lead some veterans to be at risk of offending, or experiencing vulnerabilities.

The charity has created the One is Too Many campaign in response to a rising correlation between veterans who were deemed at risk of suicide and those who had either already been arrested, or were considered likely to offend, as identified through its Project Nova programme.

With the One is Too Many campaign, the charity is hoping to increase its reach to the most vulnerable veterans. To do this, the charity has created a unique programme of tailored support and signposting, designed by its team which has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of those who have served.

Activity includes:

• Launch of a dedicated microsite containing:
  • A unique toolbox of resources to help veterans cope with their mental health, and to take positive steps to improve it
  • Information on where to find your nearest NHS crisis centre
  • How to recognise PTSD and how to access help for it
  • Advice on how to help someone else
  • Message of hope campaign including videos of those who have survived suicide attempts and suicidal ideation
  • Details of how to contact the Project Nova team and make a referral
• Staff training to support those at risk of suicide
• Creation of new resources such as crisis cards, information leaflets and positive playing cards

Colin Back, Project Nova National Manager at RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, says: “Suicide within the military community is a sensitive but important topic that needs to be approached and discussed in an honest, yet supportive way. Thanks to the generosity of the Armed Forces Covenant Trust who kindly funded this project, the One is Too Many programme aims to lead that, potentially life-saving, conversation.

“Veterans have often led very different lives to the civilian population. A Military career and the experiences that go with it are totally unique – from the housing and community they live in, to the types of jobs they do. These can be completely separate to civilian life and can even begin in childhood for those raised in a Forces family. As a result, veterans can sometimes be reluctant to engage with general support services that don’t factor in these unique experiences. Ex-Forces often feel, and some experience, that civilian services will not understand them and be able to provide the help that they need. That is why is so important to create a campaign for veterans that has been designed by those who really understand where they are coming from, their needs and unique challenges, from those who can offer tailored help without judgement.”

Nigel Bateson MBE served in the Army before becoming a BBC war zone cameraman, working with renowned correspondents Kate Adie and Martin Bell MBE. Sadly, Nigel began to struggle with alcohol misuse, culminating in him being arrested on Christmas Eve 2020. At this point he was asked if he had ever served in the Military and his details were passed to the Project Nova team who got in touch with him immediately. Since then, Nigel has received extensive help from Project Nova, from finding housing and support for debt issues, employment and training skills development, through to offering extensive advice when he found himself in crisis.

Commenting on his Project Nova case worker, Helen, he says: “Helen’s voice became the light that led me out of my darkness. And it wasn’t just phone calls and advice. Helen worked tirelessly behind the scenes emailing and achieving so much for my benefit. Because of Helen’s tireless dedication, I and so many others in her care, are still here to enjoy another sunrise. My children have a loving father back in their lives. I have a new home which has been furnished with Helen’s and Project Nova’s support and I have once again become a useful member of society and am now able to help others.”

Mark Watson, 52, served in the British Army from the age of 16 in the Royal Engineers. He struggled after leaving the Military and found himself in police custody. Upon arrest, having established that Mark had Served, the desk Sergeant presented him with a leaflet for Project Nova. Several days later, Mark decided he wanted to take his own life and, whilst having suicidal thoughts, found the Project Nova leaflet in his pocket. He called the number and received a call back from a member of the team who offered him support and was able to work with Mark to get the help he needed, including an introduction to mindfulness and techniques to help control his thoughts.

He says, “I have fought for 30 years to stay alive and I’m not fighting anymore. My therapy has got progressively better every single day. PTSD doesn’t control me. I control it. I am so glad I received that call. I think my biggest achievement is getting through this.”

Mark has the following advice for anyone who may find themselves in a similar position, “Pick up the phone because the help is there. You can do it and you can get there, and you can control your mind. Just don’t quit. You can come out the other side and achieve so much. Your life’s not over.”

For more information visit www.oneistoomany.org.uk

In January this year, we announced our intention to combine the Officers’ Association (OA) employment services with those of RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity (RFEA) to create a new, single charity with a dedicated focus on employment beyond the services for the Armed Forces community.

I am delighted to confirm that with the support of our partners across the sector and the commitment of our Trustees, the Forces Employment Charity was established in May 2022 to provide exceptional career support to all Service leavers, veterans, reservists, and their families throughout the UK, irrespective of their circumstances, rank, length of service, or reasons for leaving the Armed Forces.

The move to combine employment services into one charity received widespread endorsement from across the military, industry, public and government sectors. Our ambition is to enable individuals to secure employment and progress to roles at every level to ensure they achieve their potential beyond military service.

Our existing programmes continue to deliver across the nations and regions of the UK, including our work with the Career Transition Partnership, delivered at the end of military service, and our Ex-Forces Programme to support veterans into employment through life. We also continue our specialist programmes, including our programme to support veterans with complex needs who are furthest from employment; Project Nova, supporting veterans in the Criminal Justice System, TechVets, and the Families and Military Women Programmes.
We are enhancing these programmes with the addition of the Executive Employment team to support the Armed Forces community at every level of employment.

The Forces Employment Charity brings together two organisations with long and rich histories. RFEA will remain as the legal entity going forward with our new name launched in September this year.

 

Alistair Halliday
Chief Executive

RFEA reports 47% increase in job opportunities for veterans and launches historic film this Armed Forces Day to celebrate.

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity reports a huge increase in the number of businesses looking for veterans to fill vacancies. Last year the charity created 97,826 job opportunities (a 47% year-on-year increase) and helped 21,698 ex-Forces personnel and their families with the next step of their career journey to help them find meaningful employment.[1]

Around 15,000 people leave the UK Armed Forces every year,[2] which instils a vast array of abilities that are highly sought after in the civilian workforce. Everyone who has served their country is ingrained with vital skills such as an exceptional ability to work both as part of a team and under pressure, as well as make decisions at pace. Military personnel are also often driven by a strong need to ‘give back’, which can then continue into their careers outside of the Military.

This is reflected by new research[3] by RFEA which showed some of veterans’ biggest motivators in their civilian roles include:

• Helping contribute to making something a success (53%)
• Having responsibility and taking accountability for something (50%)
• Having an opportunity to learn new things (48%)
• Providing for family/ loved ones (47%)
• Problem solving/ finding better ways to do things (43%)
• Meeting deadlines/ targets/ other goals (41%)
• Good career prospects (39%)
• Working with others in a team (38%)
• Being of use/ service to others (33%)
• Mentoring and coaching others (30%)

In celebration of the vast array of key attributes possessed by the Military community, RFEA is releasing a brand-new film during Armed Forces Week (Friday 24^th June) which is made entirely by veterans and celebrates the attributes of those who have served.

Using previously unseen images and archive footage from the vaults of the likes of the Imperial War Museum and BFBS, along with new interviews with modern day ex-Forces, the film aims to raise awareness of the skills and traits that have always made those who have served a great source of talent for prospective employers.

RFEA’s research revealed that the majority (59%) of employers already say they would be ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to hire a veteran. The charity hopes that the film will encourage even more employers to consider bringing veterans into their workforce.

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity’s Chief Executive, Alistair Halliday, says: “As someone who served for 33 years in the Royal Navy, I know first-hand how valuable the skills are that are developed as part of a Military career. Our new film perfectly encapsulates everything that makes ex-Forces unique, from all the way back when RFEA first started helping them find employment in 1885, right through to the modern day. Hopefully our film will help even more employers understand that it made great sense to hire veterans back then and it still makes great sense now.”

Ria Jackson, who appears in the film, followed in her father and grandfather’s Military footsteps. She spent 12 years in the RAF before leaving to start a family. She sought help from RFEA’s Military Women programme to help her convey her Military experience into ‘civvy speak’. She says, “I loved my career in the RAF as it was a fantastic route into engineering, which had always been a passion of mine. During my transition period out of the Military I decided to gain teaching qualifications. I remembered how heavily influenced I had been by a teacher, who acted as a brilliant role model for me, and I saw going into teaching as my way of giving something back, which is something that has always been so important to me. Now I work in a civilian role, I realise how many vital skills the Armed Forces teaches, from resilience and teamwork, through to an unwaveringly strong work ethic. I’m so proud to have been part of making this film, as I think it’s so important that we continue to tell veterans’ stories through a positive lens.”

Joe Healey from BFBS Creative Served in the British Army for six years before moving into filmmaking through the BFBS Media Academy. On making the RFEA film he says, “There are lots of preconceptions, and some misconceptions, about the type of person who serves in the Military and they kind of roles they are likely to pursue after they leave the Forces. For example, not many people would assume that, as a former Army Corporal, I would now be working in making films, but there you go – we’re all full of surprises! RFEA’s film tells veterans’ stories in a way we’ve never seen before and will help people sit up and realise all the amazing things ex-Forces are capable of.”  

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[1]^{RFEA Impact Report 2021 RFEA Impact Report 2021 by RFEATheForcesEmploymentCharity – Issuu}

[2] ^{Ministry of Defence: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-index}

[3]^{Research carried out by OnePoll from 21.10.2021 – 28.10.21. It surveyed 1000 UK employed adults who have input into hiring decisions in their organisation, plus 200 UK veterans who are either employed or seeking employment.}

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity has signed a three-year agreement with Amazon Global Military Affairs as part of its enduring commitment to support the military community into employment. The diversity of programs on offer by RFEA, such as the Military Women Programme, Forces for London, Families Programme and TechVets, make this collaboration an obvious choice for Amazon and forms part of its military recruitment strategy in the UK.

Amazon has built a strong reputation as a Forces Friendly employer and recruits hundreds of veterans and military spouses into numerous roles throughout the country every year. Amazon’s commitment to supporting veterans has been recognised through the prestigious Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and it is a two-time winner of Employer of the Year at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards. The company is now working with RFEA to help the charity extend its provision of specialist services.

Testament to the already strong relationship with RFEA is the recent launch of the AWS Military Technical Account Manager Program (MTAMP), which was created in consultation with TechVets. MTAMP provides a structured path for veterans to become employed in technical roles at Amazon Web Services (AWS).  Ten veterans (7 of whom came through TechVets) started the six-month-long technical training program in February 2022 with a 16-week foundational cloud computing course that will be followed by on-the-job learning.

Blake Roberts joined the MTAMP after being medically discharged from the Army following a 9-year career. He says, “I become increasingly interested in cloud technology and was looking to try and get into that space, however, I lacked the necessary experience. When I found out about the MTAMP, via TechVets, I was immediately interested and excited to be able to pursue my dream career in cloud technology. I was blown away on Day 1, everyone was very welcoming and supportive, as a new starter coming from a different world, that means a lot. I am very excited about my future with AWS.”

TechVets Director, James Murphy, is a passionate advocate for veterans launching second careers in tech. He states, “Digital and tech is critical for the UK’s future prosperity and we need fantastic talented people to support the growth of the tech sector in the UK. I understand first-hand the challenges that veterans and service leavers face, but military veterans can provide a diversity of thought yet to be capitalised upon in many tech teams and they come with incredible professional skills and experience – as well as a ferocious appetite to learn new technical skills quickly. I am extremely proud that TechVets has supported this fantastic program affording our members an incredible opportunity to start their new careers in tech.”

There are currently roles available at Amazon and AWS in careers as diverse as Operations, Health and Safety, AWS Cloud, Finance, Corporate Security, Commercial Sales, HR and Engineering as well as dedicated apprenticeship programs, and internships.  All roles and career opportunities can be found on www.amazon.jobs and the company can be found at Career Transition Partnership Career Fairs.

RFEA provides life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Last year RFEA supported 21,698 ex-Forces personnel and their families, creating 97,826 job opportunities.

RFEA’s programmes include:

• Military Women Programme – Led by a female veteran, this programme aims to increase the engagement of women in the veterans’ community and help them equip themselves with job-seeking skills and knowledge and access Forces-friendly employers. This is in response to research which shows female veterans face more barriers to civilian employment than their male counterparts.
• Families Programme – Military partners and spouses experience a unique set of challenges when seeking employment, from frequent moves to remote locations away from support networks.  This programme is led by a team of military spouses who understand the unique challenges of this client group and work extensively to help them achieve their short and long-term career goals.
• Project Nova – Whilst most veterans transition from a military career to a civilian role, a small number find it more difficult, which can occasionally spiral into offending. Project Nova, delivered in partnership between RFEA and Walking With The Wounded, supports veterans who have entered or are at risk of entering, the Criminal Justice System.
• Forces for London – This programme is dedicated to helping ex-Servicemen and women living in the Capital and offers one-to-one advice and guidance with a dedicated advisor, plus volunteering, mentoring and work experience opportunities with employers in London who value the skills and attributes of ex-military. It also offers training to help job seekers gain valuable skills.

Gillian Russell, Principal Program Manager for Amazon Global Military Affairs and former Royal Navy Logistics Officer, says: “At Amazon, we fully appreciate the value that ex-military bring to the workforce and we have a dedicated team focused on bringing veterans into the business. We also recognise the exceptional work that RFEA does to support anyone who has served, regardless of rank or length of service, as well as their partners and spouses, to find meaningful employment in the civilian world. We are delighted to be helping RFEA to continue to provide specialist services for members of the military community who may need additional support. We look forward to seeing the impact this will have.”

Alistair Halliday, CEO of RFEA, says: “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic saw a huge shift in the employment market and with that came an increase in the needs of our clients. It is because of the generous support of companies, like Amazon, who appreciate the value of employing veterans and their loved ones, that we have been able to not only continue to offer our vital services but expand many of our programmes. We are incredibly grateful to Amazon for its generosity. Thanks to this support, we can continue to help everyone who needs us, ensuring they are on the road to employment and able to reach their goals.”