How our Armed Forces Network helps ensure we're an inclusive employer

Hi, my name is Faye Land and I’m an Optimisation Implementation Advisor at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). I work within the NHS Jobs team. I’ve been with the NHSBSA for almost 15 years; starting my career as a prescription data entry clerk before moving into management and then finally to NHS Jobs.

Our Armed Forces Network

Our Armed Forces Network (AFN) is a non-exclusive group that is open to all employees. The network has a mix of armed forces veterans, those with a general interest in the armed forces, reservists, cadet volunteers, and family members of those who once served or are still serving. 

Our purpose is to:

• provide a safe space for colleagues and allies to come together as a support network 
• be a 'critical friend' of the NHSBSA, to help identify issues and barriers in relation to NHSBSA policies, procedures, and practices
• promote Armed Forces specific awareness and learning across the NHSBSA
• be visible role models across the NHSBSA
• work with other like-minded organisations to create a network of networks

When I heard about the Armed Forces Network, I took an instant interest, as although I’m not a veteran myself, I have many family ties to the armed forces. My dad and uncle served in the army and royal engineers and another of my uncles was in the navy. One of my favourite past times was listening intently to the many stories my family told about their time in the forces.

Being part of the AFN has given me a brilliant opportunity to see both the positive and negative ways the lives of the armed forces community can be affected. It has been an eye-opening journey so far hearing the other AFN member's stories. I feel so proud to be a part of something that could really help the armed forces community in so many aspects including through the Veteran Support Partnership.

Veteran Support Partnership – Develop Event 

Through the AFN I’ve also been given new opportunities, such as supporting the planning and promotion of our virtual Veteran Support Partnership events. 

One of our AFN objectives was to establish partnerships with other like-minded organisations. That’s why we established the Veteran Support Partnership. The Partnership aims to eliminate barriers to opportunities by showcasing them all in one place. 

The partnership’s ambition for 2021 is to deliver three virtual events. Each event will focus on one of the strategic principles – Support, Develop, Employ. Following the success of our first event, we’re delighted to announce our the Veteran Support Partnership – Develop Event.

Along with our partners, we’ll focus on showcasing the development opportunities available to the Armed Forces Community. Speakers will cover different development opportunities, including training, military programmes, coaching and mentoring, and business ownership.

The Develop event will place on the 9th of September, 10:00am – 12:30pm. 

Our events are free and open to everyone, so please do come along. For more information and to register your interest visit https://vspdevelopevent.eventbrite.co.uk