University of Leicester hosts event to encourage businesses to take on ex-Forces staff
East Midlands business leaders discovered how Forces veterans and reservists can benefit their organisations at an event held by the University of Leicester.
Conscious of the difficulties those leaving the Armed Forces can face when seeking a new career on civvy street, University Professor Matthew Flynn was keen to bring employers, regional stakeholders and support organisations together, to try and help them tap into what is a highly trained and skilled workforce.
The Veterans’ and Reservists’ Employment Workshop, which was held at the University on Wednesday 7 May, attracted 50 attendees and formed part of the University’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
“Veterans and reservists bring a wealth of experience to the civilian workforce, including leadership, resilience, discipline, and problem-solving skills,” said Professor Flynn.
“Our workshop offered an opportunity to explore how employers are leveraging these strengths to address key challenges such as skills shortages and workforce development.
“It was an incredibly valuable opportunity to engage with peers, learn from leaders in the field, and help shape a more veteran-friendly regional economy.”
Professor Flynn added: “During the event, Commodore (Retired) Campbell Christie CBE noted that all organisations both big and small can take steps to become Forces Friendly. A first step for many can be to become a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant. Doing so can provide the organisation resources in terms of guidance, information and mentoring from other Force Friendly employers.”
The workshop saw attendees share best practices for recruiting and supporting veterans and reservists and hear from those who have successfully transitioned into civilian careers. They were also able to network with fellow employers, charities, and regional partners dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Representing employer Experian at the event was Lee Noble, who, prior to joining the global financial services giant where he’s Head of Agile, spent 24 years with the British Army, chiefly as a bomb disposal operative in the Royal Engineers.
He said: “When I say I was in bomb disposal, people assume I was snipping blue and red wires all of the time. But actually, a lot of what I did was project management, and so I was quite easily able to transition my skill set and abilities to a role outside of the Army.
“But, many, when they leave the Forces, find it hard to jump out of their swim lane. About 90 per cent of my former colleagues went on to work for private companies dealing with bomb detection overseas. Others go to work for defence companies who actively recruit ex-Forces for their experience.
“But there are those who’d like to try something different and they are the sort of employees organisations should consider hiring. The military creates problem solvers. We are taught to act independently and can generally solve a problem on our own. As an employer myself, that’s exactly what I am looking for in potential employees.
“Soldiers also tend to be resilient, because they are constantly pivoting and changing to adapt to the changes of the battlefield around them. That makes them very adaptable. In a modern organisation which is constantly evolving and changing, having the ability to deal with those situations that makes them priceless.”
Also present at the event was Colonel Richard Hurwood, who after qualifying as a doctor, joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, serving as Regimental Medical Officer to The Black Watch and Irish Guards. He latterly worked as a GP in Syston.
Col Hurwood attended in his capacity as co-chair of the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Civil Military Partnership Board, which aims to keep the military, statutory services such as the NHS, police and fire and rescue and military-based charities, in touch with each other.
He said: “By bringing in employers, this event has widened the audience to our former Forces personnel, and it’s a great opportunity to develop employment help for veterans.
“Service with the military gives one life skills that are so advantageous to society. Being part of the military means you are part of a team, and so if you want someone who is a team player with a positive outlook then organisations should look for someone who is ex-military.”
Also in attendance was Frazer Stark, who joined the University following 16 years serving in the Army – read his story. Frazer, who is now the University’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “It’s fitting to hold this event as we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Eighty years ago, there were millions of veterans returning to the UK and having to adjust to civilian life and find employment. The circumstances were different then and times may have changed, but veterans often still face similar challenges.”
The University of Leicester made a commitment to offer practical support to those leaving the Forces, when it signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2020. Recognised by the UK Government, it ensures those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families, are not disadvantaged compared to others in the provision of public and commercial services. As part of the Covenant, the University of Leicester recognises military skills and qualifications in its recruitment and selection process with positive actions such as the Higher Education Pathway for Armed Forces. Veterans who meet the criteria in job specifications are guaranteed a job interview at the University.
East Midlands employers wishing to register for future events and information about employing veterans can email ArmedForces@leicester.ac.uk.
Read the good practice guide for employers seeking to recruit service leavers aged 50+.