How Veterans in FM is working with the armed forces community

News

Looking to UK Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June, it is important to recognise and honour the armed forces community’s service for our country. I encourage everyone, whether in workplace and facilities management (WFM) or not, to come together, demonstrate our appreciation and support and create better conditions throughout the year for the armed forces community, both active and retired.

As such, I was proud last year to take on the role of Chair at the newly formed Veterans in FM Network, a major initiative to connect armed forces veterans, reservists, service leavers and supporters in WFM. The Network aims to support members of the armed forces community as they look to new careers in the sector and to enhance WFM by opening this diligent and dependable talent pool.

The Network’s launch came soon after IWFM signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.

Recently, several of the Veterans in FM committee attended events across the country, including Network, Not Paperwork, the launch of Veterans Can and the Workplace Event. It’s been fantastic to engage with the armed forces community, discover more about their experiences and needs, while advocating for their advancement in WFM. Looking forward, our aim is to pull together a round table to build an official employment guide for prospective service leavers and veterans looking to step into a WFM career. Additionally, we are also aiming for an event for service leavers around end of 2024.

We have an exciting journey ahead, filled with opportunities to collaborate as an industry. Together, we can support WFM as a career of choice and ensure a smooth transition and support for all.

Louisa Clarke

Chair, Veterans in FM Network