Speaking in ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’s latest podcast, hosted by Harry Bucknall, Chief Executive, Tim Hyams, talks about the challenges facing the Army’s national charity and the changing nature of the British Army.
Tim says that, after retiring from the Army, joining our charity was the next logical step, to “give a little bit back to the people that really matter: the soldiers; and to continue to try to do my bit to look after them.”
Tim explains the evolving context of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’s work in recent years, including the demographic changes in the veteran community and the complexity around veterans’ needs. Our charity aims to better understand and address the underlying causes of those needs; and continue to deliver benevolence, both directly to individuals, and through the 66 other charities and organisations that we fund to provide specialist support to members of the Army family.
Tim also talks about our charity’s plans to step up our engagement with the Army and the wider military ecosystem, to communicate the value of Army service and soldiering, and to explain what we do for those who need our help.
As he puts it:
“the vast majority of those who serve in the Army leave well and are net contributors to society as a result of the values and skills that they have gained through their service. Our job is to pick up the relatively small number of people each year who need additional help and give them the support they need so they can also move forward with their lives with independence and dignity.”
Tim also shares his views on the importance of the Army’s regimental system, recalls the amalgamation in 1992 of his Regiment, the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards with the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards to form The Royal Dragoon Guards, and talks about his current appointments as Colonel of The Royal Dragoon Guards and Colonel of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry.
Listen here.
Background
Tim joined our charity in November 2021 after a distinguished 35-year Army career, during which he served on operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. As a Major General, he held appointments as General Officer Commanding the Army Recruitment and Training Division, Director Land Warfare, General Officer Scotland, and the Military Secretary.
