Armed Forces Week: Lessons from RAF Leeming
Last week, our CEO, Shane Spencer, and CCO & CEO Designate, Therisa Thompson, had the privilege of attending a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) engagement event at RAF Leeming ahead of Armed Forces Week in the UK.
After a full day of networking, fighter jets and learning about the military, Therisa Thompson shares her own insights from the experience…
As proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Silver certificate holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, we joined around 60 fellow Armed Forces-friendly employers to gain a deeper understanding of the role reservists play in supporting the UK’s defence capability and why employer support is so important.
What we experienced throughout the day left a lasting impression.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at RAF Leeming
From the moment we arrived, the day was exceptionally well organised by Pauline and Richard, our ERS contacts and hosts for the event. Every element of the day reflected the professionalism, planning and precision that the Armed Forces are renowned for.
Located in North Yorkshire, RAF Leeming has a long and distinguished history dating back to the Second World War and remains an important Royal Air Force station supporting a range of operational and training activities.
Throughout the day, we were given a fascinating insight into military life and modern defence operations.
We had the opportunity to get up close to Hawk fast jets, learn more about the specialist equipment used by military personnel, explore the growing role of drone technology in modern operations and even take part in leadership and teamwork exercises used by reservist recruitment teams.
For many of us, it was our first opportunity to experience military operations and equipment from such a close perspective.
While the aircraft, equipment and technology were impressive, what stood out most was the calibre of the people behind them.
The professionalism, discipline, leadership and teamwork demonstrated throughout the day were genuinely inspiring.
The Value of Reservists
One of the most interesting aspects of the visit was learning more about the role of reservists and the commitment they make alongside their civilian careers.
Reservists dedicate their personal time to military training while continuing to work in their chosen professions. They can be called upon to support operations, humanitarian efforts and national resilience activities when required.
What became clear during the event is that reservists can only fulfil this commitment because employers across the UK actively choose to support them.
As employers, it is easy to focus on the practical considerations of releasing employees for training or military duties. However, what we learned is that organisations often receive significant benefits in return.
Reservists develop exceptional skills in leadership, decision-making, resilience, communication, teamwork and problem-solving. These are qualities that transfer directly into the workplace and strengthen organisations of every size.
Leadership Lessons in Action
One of the most memorable lessons from the day didn’t involve aircraft, technology or military equipment.
After lunch, we were divided into three teams and tasked with building the tallest possible tower using wooden blocks, ropes attached to a central hook and nothing more than communication, coordination and teamwork.
What sounded simple quickly became a real challenge.
With multiple people controlling the ropes, changing wind conditions and a tower that became increasingly unstable with every block added, success depended entirely on effective communication and leadership.
We were delighted to win the challenge, but the real value wasn’t in finishing first. It was experiencing first-hand how quickly communication, teamwork and leadership become critical when a group of people are working towards a shared objective under pressure.
It was a simple exercise, but one that perfectly demonstrated the skills that reservists develop and why those skills translate so effectively into the workplace.
Why Businesses Should Consider Signing the Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, along with their families, should be treated fairly and should not face disadvantage because of their service.
For employers, signing the Covenant is more than a symbolic gesture.
It provides an opportunity to demonstrate support for the Armed Forces community while benefiting from the skills, experience and perspectives that veterans, reservists and military families bring to the workplace.
Some of the benefits businesses may experience include:
- Access to a highly skilled and motivated talent pool.
- Stronger leadership and teamwork capabilities within the workforce.
- Enhanced employee engagement and organisational culture.
- Recognition through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
- Improved social value and community impact.
- A clear demonstration of commitment to supporting those who serve.
At Keyzo, many of the industries we support, including aviation, construction, manufacturing, utilities and infrastructure, depend heavily on leadership, accountability, safety culture and teamwork. The qualities demonstrated by reservists align closely with the values that drive success within these sectors.
Understanding the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognises employers that actively support the Armed Forces community through their recruitment practices, workplace policies and advocacy.
The scheme consists of Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, with organisations demonstrating increasing levels of commitment and support as they progress.
As a Silver Award holder, Keyzo is proud to stand alongside thousands of organisations across the UK that recognise the value of supporting reservists, veterans and military families.
A Stronger Appreciation for Those Who Serve
The visit reinforced our belief that initiatives such as the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme play an important role in strengthening the relationship between the Armed Forces and the business community.
The Armed Forces rely on the support of employers throughout the country. In return, employers gain access to talented, disciplined and highly capable individuals whose skills and experiences can make a meaningful contribution to their organisations.
Most importantly, these initiatives provide an opportunity to support those who dedicate their time, skills and commitment to protecting our nation.
We would like to thank Pauline and Richard for organising such an informative and engaging day, RAF Leeming for their hospitality and insight, and all of our fellow Armed Forces Covenant signatories and Employer Recognition Scheme organisations who attended.
It was a fantastic experience and one that left us with an even greater appreciation for the people, partnerships and employers that help make the Armed Forces community so strong.
As we approach Armed Forces Week, we encourage other organisations to explore the Armed Forces Covenant and consider the positive impact becoming a signatory could have, not only for their business, but for their employees, communities and the wider Armed Forces family.
If you’d like to learn more about Keyzo’s contribution to the Armed Forces Covenant, get in touch.
