Hear from Mark Probee, Senior Associate Client Service & Delivery at Willis Towers Watson, about his experience with RFEA - The Forces Employment Charity finding him an opportunity in the Lloyd's market.
Mark's story
I started my role at Willis Towers Watson in the city in June 2021, having lost my previous role working as general manager for an events manpower company employing ex-military personnel.
Insurance and reinsurance had never been on my radar, but a chance phone call to catch up with the Programme Coordinator at RFEA - The Forces Employment Charity, Michelle, brought a role in the sector to my attention.
I had been in contact with RFEA for a number of years to find the right position for myself, trying to work out my place in civilian life with the usual 'jack-of-all-trades' military skillset. Michelle at RFEA had always been there and especially helpful, considerate, and engaging during my search.
I feel part of a great group of people who are all friendly and keen to help.
"Why not give them a call?" Michelle encouraged me to contact Willis Towers Watson, and it was absolutely the right move. Working in the Global Construction team at Willis Towers Watson is the role I did not realise I was looking for, giving me security and a great work/life balance. Willis Towers Watson genuinely support ex-military personnel in an authentic way, which is not common despite the Armed Forces Covenant scheme.
At Willis Towers Watson, I feel part of a great group of people who are all friendly and keen to help. I'm also linked into our own internal military network and have joined the Lloyds Military Network (LMN) as a result. Once I am settled in, I’m looking forward to getting more involved in the LMN and really discover the benefits. But the fact that I'm settling in so well without the need for support from the LMN is truly amazing, testament to the support of my employer.
For now, I am looking forward to building a schedule for myself fitting my day job around my daily gym visits and busy home life, renovating our new flat.
Thank you to RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity and the Lloyd’s Military Network for connecting me with this opportunity.
Victoria's story
Hear from Victoria, a beneficiary of RFEA - The Forces Employment Charity, who was helped back in to work through the new project funded by LPF.
Jane’s story
Jane lives in Glasgow and had been a stay-at-home parent for three and a half years and had housing issues. Jane registered for support but then waited three months to engage with the adviser as she was juggling her children and their health. Jane was supported with developing her CV, identifying her skills and how to match them to job descriptions to successfully apply for jobs, and building her knowledge on how and where to job search. Jane successfully secured a job with her local Council and is doing well.
“With my experience of using RFEA I found the personalised approach the most helpful - with an advisor looking at me as an individual rather than generic information which most of helping 'spouse into employment' seems to be.”Jane