Injured and wounded Service personnel are being given access to new sustainable career opportunities thanks to the launch of the Recovery Career Services announced today by the Defence Minister Mark Francois, Vigilance can report.
In recognition of their immense sacrifice to Britain, iconic motor manufacturers including Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover, along with businesses such as Barclays, have got behind the new scheme to offer competitive work placements for injured troops. They join over 200 commercial providers who have signed up to provide sick, injured and wounded service personnel with exciting opportunities including working as pit crew at the World Endurance Championships in Le Mans.
The exclusive employment service, now available via a brand new web-portal, will ensure injured troops have access to the most comprehensive range of vocational training, education and work placements to give them the best opportunity to compete in the civilian employment market.
The roll out of the new career service coincides with today’s announcement that the Defence Recovery Capability is now fully operational. The Ministry of Defence led initiative, delivered in partnership with Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, will ensure that all wounded, injured and sick personnel have access to the full range of key services and resources including personalised recovery plans to help them at every stage of their recovery.
Mark Francois, the Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, said: “Our injured heroes give everything in service of their country and it is only right that we do all we can to help them in their recovery. I am therefore delighted that the Defence Recovery Capability supported by charities such as Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, has now achieved Full Operating Capability. This will ensure all our wounded, injured and sick Serving personnel can access tailor-made support and bespoke career assistance to help them return to duty or make an effective transition to civilian life.”
Chris Simpkins, Director General of The Royal British Legion, said: “The Royal British Legion is proud to be part of the unique partnership delivering the Defence Recovery Capability alongside the MoD and Help for Heroes. With our charity partners, we are making the biggest charitable financial commitment in history to the British Armed Forces, and I can think of no better reason than supporting our brave Service personnel who are wounded, injured or sick return to an active and fulfilling Service or civilian life.”
Bryn and Emma Parry, Co-Founders of Help for Heroes, said: “Help for Heroes was launched in 2007 and, with the help of the Armed Forces, the media and press, companies, charities and of course hundreds of thousands of ordinary, decent people, it has become part of the British landscape. People understand that regardless of what we feel about war, we need to support those who serve in our Armed Forces. It is their duty to risk their lives on our behalf and it is our privilege to help them if they are hurt. We have worked together to establish the Defence Recovery Capability and now we must continue to work together to ensure that it delivers the very best support for the wounded, injured and sick and their families through the long years of peace when they will still be battling."