IWFM Veterans in FM Network Launches 

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• IWFM Veterans in FM Network Launches 

04 June 2024

A community of military service leavers has established a new networking group to encourage veterans to transition to FM careers.

The group supports service leavers into the facilities management and built environment sector, through mentorship, training and industry networking events. Members will receive 1-1 professional development support to discuss their career needs and help pinpoint them to the right training, qualifications and support.

The ex-military community in the UK is considered a valuable recruitment resource due to their leadership, teamwork, logistics, and technical skills. Workplace and facilities management has long been considered a natural fit for ex-service personnel, as it focuses on traits such as discipline, determination and a high level of organisational aptitude.

The new Veterans in FM Network was formed by a group of IWFM members who want to promote FM career options to those leaving the military, including Mark Baker, COO - Government at Sodexo, Charlie Antelme, MD Commercial and Government at Mitie, Alistair Scott, Director at Integrated Estates Management, Mark Moseley, Director at PestGone Environmental and The Apprentice contestant. 

The network is chaired by Louisa Clarke, a former Movements Controller with the Royal Air Force’s Air Movements Squadron. Louisa went on to become the first female Operational Director at FM provider Churchill Group, and is widely recognised as an industry-leading figure, advocating for women in leadership, as well as supporting veterans during their transition to civilian life.

Louisa said “We view active service people and veterans as a rich pool of talent for workplace and facilities management; selfless, dedicated and detail-orientated are just some of the qualities we see on a day-to-day basis. At the same time, we’re keen to promote the profession as a career of choice for active and former service people as they transition to civilian life.”

The group also wants to encourage the facilities management sector to recruit from a wider variety of talent pools. The group pledges to collaborate with industry stakeholders to highlight the applicability of military skills to the FM profession, ensuring an understanding of entry requirements and career opportunities for veterans.

The IWFM Veterans in FM Network officially launched at an event at The Royal Air Force Club, located at 128 Piccadilly to an audience of 200 attendees, supported by founding sponsor, Integrated Estates Management.

To learn more about the group and how to get involved, click here. 

Picture: a photograph of some of the members of the IWFM Veterans in FM Network committee, from left to right: Alistair Scott, Phil Matis, Andrew Ingham, Deborah Longstaff, Mark Mosely, Louisa Clarke, Michelle Connolly, Neil David, Charlie Antelme, Mark Sutcliffe and Adam Phillips.

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 04 June 2024

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