The fifth annual Ex-Forces in Business Awards took place on Thursday 8 September at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
It’s the world’s largest celebration of ex-service personnel in their in second careers, and brings together employers who recognise the talents, skills and values of the community. The awards lead the way in promoting a positive representation of veterans as an asset to all major industries.
Whilst attendees gathered at the awards, the news announced that Her Majesty the Queen had died. Afterwards, the event continued in an altered format, reflecting the relationship between the military and the Royal Family. During their speeches, the finalists spoke about their time in the armed forces, and paid tribute to Her Majesty.
There was moving movements from the speakers, including Lieutenant Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA and Air Marshal Dame Sue Gray, the UK’s first female three-star officer.
We’re proud to hold the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold award, and continue to support our colleagues who’re ex-service personnel and reservists. Our head of Talent Acquisition, Mark Gilbertson is an Army veteran, and was instrumental in developing our Reservist Policy.
Last year, we were delighted when Graham Thomson, our Chief Information Security Officer, won Team Leader of the Year at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards. Graham was vital in supporting our colleagues working from home during COVID, and this has since developed into our Flexible by Choice policy. We sponsored the award this year, which was presented by Mark Gilbertson.
This year, our spotlight was on one of our partners, Andrew Buckham, formerly of the Army Legal Service. Over 200 veterans and reservists were shortlisted for the Military Values in Business, and Andrew was nominated as a finalist. Andrew leads our Military Injury team in Southampton, and has been involved in multiple high-profile cases. These include Nimrod and Lance Bombadier Ben Parkinson’s fight for fairer compensation under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. He’s also a trustee for the Defence Medical Welfare Service, and we were honoured by the support that clients and charities showed Andrew.
We’re delighted that England Rugby donated to the auction at the awards, which raised funds for the SSAFA. Although the night was a time for reflection, it was uplifting to hear what serving Her Majesty the Queen meant to current and ex-service personnel.
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