IN THE WORKPLACE
Supporting the Recruits Through Phase 1 & 2 training
V 26
eronica Wootton, the HIVE Information Officer at RAF Leuchars, talks to two colleagues who have a
particular eye on those just joining the Service – and their families.
Shirley Cousins is the HIVE Information Officer at RAF Halton where Phase 1 Recruit Training takes place, Shirley explains: “The RAF Halton HIVE is located in the Trinity Community Centre, where you will also find an amazing soft play area and a Costa Coffee Pod. The Service Community Support Officer and SSAFA Family Support Worker are also within the building.
“My role means I am very involved in all aspects of life within our community, from saying a few words at the Station arrival brief to organising events for the families of
Envoy Summer 2013
deployed personnel. I also serve the families of our Phase 1 recruits.
“Because of their intensive training programme, there is little time to meet with the recruits themselves, although I am asked by Recruit Training Sqn staff to assist with specific queries from time to time. Their families, however, often have little or no knowledge of Service life so I hope that some of the information I provide goes some way to making them feel less anxious about what their loved one is getting into.
“RAF Halton Graduation Parades take place fortnightly; all families of Phase 1 recruits are formally invited to attend. I am present and have an information point in the Newcomers Club, a facility within the Recruit Training Sqn, where all the families are invited to meet before the parade, have a hot drink and purchase photographs and mementoes.
“I have display boards with maps showing the locations of the Phase 2 training establishments and they are a great way to start a conversation! I also provide information packs for the Phase 2 locations with details of the facilities that will be available for the trainees when they get there. Most importantly, these packs have the contact details of the HIVE Information Officer at that location, so if families want further information at any time they know who to contact.
“Being at the Newcomers Club as the families arrive is a part of my role that I really enjoy. I have met some lovely people and we talk about all sorts of things, I always mention the Envoy magazine too as families can register to receive copies free of charge and it’s a great way of being kept in the know!
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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