At Cygnet Group, we’re proud to be a leading provider of mental health and social care services across the UK. With award-winning hospitals and community services, we deliver personalised care pathways that empower individuals to achieve their goals.
Throughout the year, we celebrate the incredible contributions of former military personnel within our workforce. Their stories of transitioning to civilian life and building careers at Cygnet highlight the diverse opportunities available and the invaluable transferable skills veterans bring to our organisation. From Senior Clinical roles to Quality, Occupational Therapy, Finance, and Health & Safety, their impact is felt across every department.
Shane Mills – From Ammunition Technician to Executive Director
Shane Mills, our Group Executive Director of Nursing & Quality, served five years in HM Forces as an Ammunition Technician, including during the first Gulf War, before training as a Registered Mental Health Nurse.
Reflecting on his career journey, Shane said:
“I have seen first-hand the extraordinary courage, commitment and compassion demonstrated by our armed forces community.
The skills and experiences people with a military background bring to our team are incredibly valuable, and I am grateful to every veteran who chooses to join us at Cygnet.”
Mark Hope – Leadership and Resilience
Mark Hope joined the British Army in 1999 and served for 22 years, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two. His final role as Regimental Administration Warrant Officer involved HR, payroll, auditing, and data security.
Today, Mark applies those skills at Cygnet:
“Joining Cygnet has allowed me to showcase skills I obtained within the Military, such as hard work, proactivity, robustness, prioritising, team-working, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
I take great pride in my work, and each day I now gain a sense of achievement.”
Ross Smith – Fire Safety Expertise
Ross Smith, now Cygnet’s Fire Safety Manager, served 22 years in the Royal Air Force Fire & Rescue Service, with deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.
About his current role, Ross says:
“I’m embedded within a dedicated team of health and safety professionals, and I enjoy my work within Cygnet; no two days are ever the same.
I especially enjoy the mix of working from home and visiting Cygnet sites around the UK, fitting in perfectly with my current lifestyle.”
Emma Brown – From Combat to Care
Emma Brown began her career as a Plumber in the Royal Engineers, completing a tour in Afghanistan in 2009. After leaving the Army, Emma joined Cygnet Appletree in Durham as a Bank Support Worker, later moving into Occupational Therapy:
“Working in mental health has been the best decision I have ever made.”
Emma is now training to become an Occupational Therapist, applying adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills honed during her military service.
Andy Burrill – Driving Quality and Innovation
Andy Burrill, Cygnet’s Catering Quality, Audit & Compliance Manager, served as an RAF Officer for six years. His military experience instilled strong values and a commitment to excellence, which he now brings to all of Cygnet’s catering services during an exciting period of growth.
Our Commitment to Veterans
Cygnet is proud to support veterans, reservists, and their families through dedicated recruitment initiatives. We value the unique skills ex-military personnel bring and strive to create an environment where they can thrive. Since 2021, we have held a Bronze Award and signed the Armed Forces Covenant, actively encouraging applications from reservists, veterans, and their families. If you’re an ex-military professional interested in mental healthcare, we invite you to explore Cygnet. We offer rewarding opportunities with excellent support.
Find out more at Cygnet Careers
