Changing lives - constructively
Judith Edwards • Published 4 Oct 2010 11:46
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Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence launched the Army Recovery Capability, providing support for sick and injured soldiers. It is a joint initiative with the Royal British Legion and charity, Help For Heroes, that is contributing £20m to build and run four new recovery centres near UK Army bases. Worthwhile, yet limited in scope and funding, there are many ex-soldiers struggling to find employment. In February the MoD introduced 'Armed Forces champions' in more than 50 Job Centres across the UK to help wounded, injured and sick soldiers leaving the Army find work.
In Berkshire and Surrey, the charity Soldier On! operates as a recruitment organisation that aims to secure civilian employment opportunities for service-leavers, and former members of the Armed Forces, who have acquired a disability or long-term injury while serving. Soldier On! capitalises on the variety of disciplines learned in the Armed Forces, from mechanics and logistics to catering. They are especially keen to hear from individuals with trade skills such as mechanics and engineers.
Nicholas Harrison, founder of Soldier On!, believes the organisation not only benefits veterans by giving them a new purpose on 'civvy street' but also the firms that employ them. Soldiers and forces personnel often work in extreme temperatures, sometimes on duty for up to 37 hours at time, they exercise management skills, motivate people and plan operations - skills that are especially valuable and relevant in a business.
Former service personnel make highly-motivated, loyal staff. Mr Harrison said: "It is our ambition that no wounded former serviceman or woman will live without professional employment support."
Soldier On! does not compete with Government and charitable sector initiatives. Finding gainful employment is the next step in the rehabilitation process and Soldier On! Wants to hear from employers who are looking to recruit. It simply wants the opportunity to present relevant candidates for suitable roles. Also, as a charity, it is keen to hear from anyone interested in donating. Providing direct professional recruitment support to wounded veterans in order to help them make the transition into civilian employment, Soldier On! offers candidates coaching seminars, hands-on CV assistance and interview training, with a view to ensuring a harmonious and productive placement into civilian roles.
Mr Harrison said that such candidates provide not only "an excellent opportunity for progressive employers to find extremely talented and disciplined individuals with superb qualifications, but also a way to demonstrate their corporate social responsibility credentials in a truly meaningful way. This service is provided free of charge to both the individuals and their future employers."
Soldier On! is supported by service charities including Combat Stress, Help For Heroes and the Royal British Legion. Mr Harrison said: "Having worked closely with service charities and spoken to individual servicemen and women who have sustained disabilities, it appears to me that a lot of social and psychological problems they have when leaving the services can be alleviated if they have a job, a reason to get out of bed in the morning and focus their minds."
Soldier On! was launched in July this year and offers traditional recruitment industry expertise with an executive search, supported by a network of senior executive search and recruitment professionals and senior military personnel.
The organisation provides:
❒ candidate reports and updated CVs.
❒ a single point of contact for client companies and candidates.
❒ national, regional, independent and cost-effective recruitment.
❒ skilled and highly-motivated staff.
❒ exceptional corporate social responsibility
❒ transparency
❒ ongoing contact
❒ constructive help to injured service personnel, going a little way to recognising and repaying their efforts for us.
Soldier On! is a registered charity, call 020 7730 4962 or 07884 365054.
This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 15 Aug 10
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