Inspired by the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in 2019 and receiving the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Employer award the IRM has launched the Armed Forces Community Group (AFC Group). The Group will form a network of like-minded individuals working in risk management and who have specifically been involved with any aspect of the armed forces.
The IOR (part of the IRM group) already has Approved Learning Provider status for the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) by the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS). This scheme promotes lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. The scheme provides financial support towards the IOR’s Certificate in Operational Risk Management.
Mark Turner, CFIRM, IRM Board member, veteran and founding member of the Group said:
“Many of the skills learnt by service personnel naturally crossover into the world of risk management and we’re keen to ensure this expertise is recognised so that we can help support lifelong learning and career transition where possible.
We want to engage with and provide a community for those working in risk, including serving members, reservists or veterans along with those who support the cadet forces. Additionally, we would welcome the involvement of close family members as we recognise the support that families provide to service personnel. We would like the group to be internationally focused, so we actively encourage membership from around the world”.
The purpose of the AFC group is to support its members in their professional development, provide a social dimension and influence the wider armed forces community.
The AFC SIG will hold its inaugural meeting under the Chairmanship of Chris Blockley-Webb, IRMCert, in the first quarter of 2022.
He said:
“I am humbled, honoured and it’s a privilege to be the inaugural Chair of the IRM’s new Group for the Armed Forces Community.
Serving personnel, veterans, civilian staff and those in the defence industry are resourceful, resilient and more often than not critical thinkers. These are crucial attributes for being a risk professional. I think it’s a great opportunity to harness those qualities and for the IRM to be at the forefront of guiding and educating todays defence people into tomorrow’s risk management professionals.
I aim to quickly establish a business plan for approval by the IRM and to swiftly build the IRM Armed Forces Community, not only in the UK, but also globally. I wish to act with the utmost integrity and to effectively serve as your Chair.”
To join the community and engage with our Group please click here: https://www.theirm.org/join-our-community/special-interest-groups/armed-forces-community/