Last year almost 22,000 clients received expert support and guidance from the Forces Employment Charity, spanning services such as CV advice, networking opportunities, job seeking support, guidance with applications and much more.
The support the charity offers can be life changing. Christopher McFerran served for 12 years in the Royal Air Force and sought help from the Forces Employment Charity when he feared his job was at risk.
He said:
“I had started a new job just as the first Covid-19 lockdown came into force and, although I thought I had a good career ahead of me, it quickly became apparent that my company was planning on making big changes. I sought the help of the Forces Employment Charity, as the Employment Advisors I have been assigned to over the years have been fantastic. They have always provided great support and updated me with current and relevant vacancies in my field of expertise and within my geographic area. They have also been great at keeping in contact, even if it was just to see how I was getting on and if I needed any support. They are a fantastic team to have on your side! My new role has made me more relaxed, which my family have noticed – big time. I now have a great opportunity to progress.”
Christopher, like thousands of others, benefitted from the flagship Ex-Forces Employment Programme at the Forces Employment Charity. It provides veterans with career advice and offers access to thousands of job opportunities from employers who value the skills and attributes that ex-Forces bring to the civilian workforce.
The programme is only made possible thanks to generous funding from partners, such as the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. The charity has recently committed to further funding for the programme, which will ensure many more thousands of members of the RAF community, and beyond, will continue to receive the support they need.
Forces Employment Charity’s Chief Executive, Alistair Halliday, said:
“The Ex-Forces Programme is one of our longest standing initiatives, and it continues to go from strength to strength. We are there to ensure that all members of the Forces community are provided with the support they need to find career success in the civilian world – whatever stage of their career they may be at. We are immensely grateful to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund for their continued support, to enable us to continue our life changing work for so many who have served in the Royal Air Force.”
Irene Greenwood, RAF Station and External Grants Manager, said:
“Partnership working is an essential part of the Fund’s welfare support to the RAF Family, allowing us to get the expert help to the people who need it. The work that the Forces Employment Charity undertakes is crucial and we are thrilled to be able to contribute, helping to meet the changing needs of the entire RAF Family.”
For more information visit: www.forcesemployment.org.uk
