FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
MOD ESTATE PROVIDER’S VIEW
ALEX MACRAE,
VIVO DEFENCE SERVICES CHAIR OF THE ARMED FORCES KINSHIP NETWORK
We are a relatively new company and, from our outset, have been keen to attract veterans. As the largest provider of estate services to the MoD, it is, of course, right we give back to the community we serve. But that’s not the only reason.
We know veterans can make a valuable contribution to our organisation – and the wider FM industry. And they are a great fit for us as they know the culture of our customers and, of course, gel with them.
But perhaps more importantly, we find their work experiences have made them resourceful. They have a can-do attitude, a strong work ethic and are problem-solvers. In short, they get things done.
How do I know? Well, I was in the Royal Navy for over two decades, starting as an engineering apprentice before moving into the submarine service.
I know from experience that if you are in the middle of the ocean and there is an engineering fault, you and your team must solve it – whatever it takes. Rising to such challenges creates quite a mindset and all the military people I have worked with have this.
One way we in FM can help them, though, is by providing training and work placements. I left the navy in 2004 – serving on HMS Tireless in my last post – but I knew some years prior to that when I would depart and had the time to prepare so I took an HNC and an HND.
This helped me start with Serco at MoD Kineton, before joining Amey and then VIVO’s mobilisation team. I am now VIVO’S Technical Compliance Manager.
We know military people have huge experience, but they may not have gained the formal qualifications industry require. That is one of the reasons we became an accredited training centre for CITB and IOSH – and offer this to veterans as part of their resettlement.
We also provide placements for those wanting to top up their trade skills, making them more prepared when they leave. For example, members of 26 Engineer Regiment (Royal Engineers) recently took part in carpentry, bricklaying, painting and other decorating work at sites we look after. Those that get involved speak highly of our placements. One said it was “the most beneficial three weeks” of his trade career.
We have also provided shadow placements with our project management team and, as we have sites over so much of the country, we probably run operations on or near most military bases in England.
Importantly, we offer guaranteed interviews for veterans and reservists matching the job profile and we have committed to 20 per cent of our workforce having a military connection. We exceeded this in our first year.
We also started our Armed Forces Kinship Network – which I chair – to provide a safe and supportive space for discussing ideas, volunteering opportunities and to offer support to former Armed Forces colleagues.
And we have partnered with charities such as Launchpad and our three-armed forces benevolent funds. We also signed the Armed Forces Convenant in our early days, recently gaining a silver award from their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Like many FM companies, we are signed up with Buildforce and the Ministry of Defence’s Career Transition Partnership and attend their recruitment events. After all, we are a growing organisation with many vacancies.
In short, we are proud of how we are attracting talented veterans and aim to continue. We need them and want them to know they are welcome.
