Changing Our Approach to Veterans' Employment

Abstract: Several key points emerged from the working groups, which are summarised below and discussed in more detail in the Event discussions section. These points highlight a way forward for stakeholders across the private and public sectors with a view to supporting the transition of ex-Service personnel into civilian employment: • Create a joined-up media strategy, across military charitable organisations, that focuses on reducing misperceptions in relation to ex-Service personnel. • Build an online employment platform for ex-military job seekers which goes beyond requesting CVs, and also takes into account soft skills as well as past experience and qualifications. • Use data provided by ex-military job seekers on their qualifications and skills to provide guidance on future employment pathways, such as potential careers, career progression, but also provides coaching and mentoring, and advice and guidance, while outlining the skills sought by employers. • Translate military qualifications to civilian equivalents to enable improved understanding by employers of the skills and knowledge held by ex-Service personnel. • Make an evidence-based business case to organisations as to why ex-Service personnel add value to a company. • Provide additional training and support to Human Resources departments and hiring managers in relation to the recruitment and retention of ex-Service personnel. • Create opportunities and reduce risk for both ex-Service personnel and employers through veteran-tailored schemes such as internships or apprenticeships. • Increase dialogue and collaboration between employers and businesses on the topic of hiring ex-Service personnel.