Ashley Stevenson used the OA’s employment services to leave the RAF and pursue a portfolio career.
Ashley joined the RAF in 1976, and left in 2013 as an Air Commodore. He had a full active career in the RAF, training to become a Harrier pilot and later becoming a Qualified Weapons Instructor and Harrier display pilot. He commanded Number 3 (Fighter) Squadron and led the first Joint Force Harrier air operations from HMS Illustrious during the Sierra Leone Crisis in 2000.
Read moreGive Us Time has been nominated by the Veterans’ Foundation for their category in the Heropreneurs Awards!
All too many veterans find leaving the Armed Forces, and returning to civvy street, a huge struggle due to physical injuries and mental health issues. This may result in homelessness, unemployment, family breakdown, and a dramatic deterioration in their well-being. This Veterans’ Foundation award category seeks to recognise an individual in civvy street, or a business, that has given outstanding help to such veterans.
Read moreThe OA is calling on local businesses across the North of England to attend its Veteran Work Northern Showcase event, which takes place Thursday 14th June at Virgin Money, Jubilee House, in Newcastle.
Whilst 71% of medium and large organisations say they would consider employing veterans, only 39% would consider employing someone with no industry experience. Employers are potentially missing a trick by not tapping into this talent pool and the benefits veterans bring to the workplace – whatever its size.
Read more30th Inter-Services Triathlon brings top athletes together to compete for the coveted Team Cup.
Organised this year by the Royal Navy Triathlon Association, the Army, Navy and RAF will compete at the annual event, taking place on 25th July 2018. There are individual and team categories, including Male, Female and Veteran. In addition, the Fire, Police and Prison Service will each enter guest teams.
Read moreWith over 70% of jobs coming from networking, its importance can’t be denied and at the Officers’ Association we encourage people to take the opportunity to network, gain knowledge and build long term connections.
In this webinar Sophia Koniarska, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at The Officers’ Association, will explore the importance of networking, what to expect, how to approach it and the benefits of maintaining a network throughout your career.
Read moreThis event will be of value to anyone in the Armed Forces community who is interested in setting up or growing their own business & those allies who wish to work with and support them. In addition to the talk there will be plenty of time for networking.
Phil Eaglesham is leading his team to build an innovative mobility device that will give confidence and independence to users.
Phil contracted Q Fever (Helmand Fever) during active service as a Royal Marine Commando in Afghanistan. As a result, he relies on wheelchairs and similar devices for his mobility.
Read moreThe RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund has announced the shortlisted nominees for its sixth annual awards. The winners of nine awards categories will be revealed at a special ceremony at London’s Gibson Hall, to be held on 7 June 2018.
Air Vice-Marshal David Murray, Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “The RAF Benevolent Fund simply could not carry out the vital work that we do, supporting the RAF Family, without the help of our incredible supporters. Each year it gets harder and harder to decide on the winners of these awards and that is a testament to the hard work, dedication and creativity with which our supporters contribute to the Fund and its work.
Read moreSee the highlights video from the 2018 Soldiering On Awards which took place in the presence of Awards Patron the Rt Hon Earl Howe PC.
Join us once again in congratulating all of our amazing Awards Winners.
Our thanks go to Jeremy Vine and Vicki Michelle MBE for being such fabulous hosts for the evening and to Carly Paoli for her outstanding performance including a special tribute to RAF 100.
Read moreMatt Driver and Phil Hayes, Coaches at Management Futures, explain how coaching can prepare you for your working life after leaving the Armed Forces.
Coaching is vital to a successful transition. Leaving the military and starting a civilian career is a huge change, involving more than swapping jobs: you need to find new purpose and decide your next steps. Many Service leavers apply for jobs without fully thinking about the impact, ending up in unfulfilling careers. Coaching helps you gain clarity of thought and action, so you make the right career choice.
At its heart, coaching is a speaking and listening exercise.
Read moreOA’s Chief Executive Officer, Lee Holloway, was delighted to present Flying Officer Carla Robinson with the charity award at RAF Cranwell’s Graduation Dining-In Night on Friday 4th May 2018.
The OA provides the ‘Work in the Community’ award in recognition of the work carried out by cadets supporting a charitable cause, whilst undergoing officer training at RAF College Cranwell.
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Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here
