LIFESTYLE
TURNING THE TIDE ON SERVICE PARTNER EMPLOYMENT
Recruit for Spouses S
ince Recruit for Spouses started we have spent a lot of time listening to service spouses about what they really need in
terms of employment opportunities. Maxine Crawford-Taylor reports.
Spearheading a change in perception has been crucial to our success but there is still much to be done to support Service partner employment. We are dedicated to creating the right openings so register with us today and let’s get the ball rolling for you.
We’ve always said that our candidates are our greatest asset, and Recruit for Spouses looks set to enjoy an on-going partnership with Britannia Construction Ltd, in Gloucestershire, thanks to the professionalism of one of our spouses, Tanja Salmon.
Tanja originally joined the company’s Compliance Department as an Administrator to provide maternity leave cover but Development Director, Phil McCabe has been so impressed, he hopes to continue the relationship where possible. Phil said:
“Tanja has fitted in seamlessly with the rest of the team, right from day one. She has fantastic get-up- and-go and a lot of ideas; we’re delighted. Where necessary and appropriate, we’ll certainly use Recruit for Spouses again as they are different to other agencies we’ve worked with. There was no big push and yet they put a lot of work into their candidates, which has paid dividends.
“As an organisation, we have no problem recruiting from the military community. The truth is that any member of staff can leave at any
given time – the risk is the same, whatever the family’s circumstances.”
As for Tanja, having left behind a good job in Germany to follow her husband to Gloucester, it was demoralising that employers in the area seemed cautious about taking on spouses of service personnel. Tanja said:
“Having sent application after application, for more than six months, I came across a link for a job vacancy on Facebook that RfS had posted. I uploaded my CV and received a phone call from Susie Richards the next day asking if I would like to attend an interview.
“Beforehand, Susie took the time to talk me through the interview process and any potential questions, which was very helpful, especially as it was my first interview in the UK. Even after starting my new position, which I very much enjoy, Susie kept in touch, checking that all was going well.
“I have never experienced such a thorough and personal service from any other agency, let alone the understanding of what it means to be a Forces wife. RfS has a passion for changing potential employer’s views on employing military partners and presenting the positives.
“The icing on the cake is that Britannia Construction is a really lovely, people-orientated company. It feels like a team effort.”
Spreading the word Following February’s meeting with Iain Duncan Smith at the Recruit for Spouses offices in Corsham, the RfS team gathered at Westminster in March to visit the Department of Work & Pensions and meet with Minister of State for Employment, Esther McVey. “It was a very productive meeting,” says RfS Founder, Heledd. “The DWP has made good on its promise to support the case for military spouse employment and it’s great to have the attention of central Government.” Heledd was joined by RfS team members Jo Kitching and Susie Richards, as well as business owner and supporter Brigitte Peach.
It is stories such Carmen Middleditch’s that have helped garner such high-level support and made MPs sit up and listen. Before she became
46 Envoy Summer 2014
a Forces partner, Carmen was PA to a newspaper editor, enjoying an exciting, fast-paced life in the City. After moving into a military quarter, opportunity became scarce and Carmen sensed the level playing field shifting as she was overlooked for roles that should have naturally come her way. Her confidence was at an all-time low when she registered with Recruit for Spouses where her talent and skills were immediately recognised. Following mentoring, Carmen is now happily settled as a secretary
in a legal firm: “I really can’t thank the team enough,” she says.
“Susie was a fantastic mentor and it’s great finally to be in a role where I am challenged and valued.”
The early part of this year has also seen RfS make appearances on BBC Wiltshire and there has been good coverage of our story by BFBS, all helping to make the case for companies supporting spousal employment in the future.
Help us to help you
Even if you are currently employed but looking for a new challenge, RfS can help. Register on our website today and tick the specific job sector you are interested in; you can also sign up for new job alerts. To help you most efficiently, and to consider you for immediate vacancies, we do ask that you upload your CV. If your CV needs updating or a polish, you can find tips and layouts at
www.recruitforspouses.co.uk under our Candidates section.
We’re here to match you with the right job, so please spread the word among other service spouses – the more registrations we have, the more job opportunities we are able to create.
Finally, if you are already registered with us, please remember to update your details when you move so we can help you to find your next job in your new location.
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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