Bob Fox and Chris Jolley from Kier Sheffield LLP share their experiences of mobilisation and the value of Reservist skills in the workplace.
The TA taught me how to correspond and liaise better. For me it has been a massive bonus."
A skilled electrician by trade, Bob Fox has spent a number of years on secondment to his company’s trade union, Unite. His work involves looking after the terms and conditions of employment and maintaining dialog between the union members and senior staff of Kier Sheffield LLP.
Bob is also a Reservist with the Territorial Army. Through his training, Bob has gained increased confidence and assertiveness; this, combined with the ability to be calm and rational has been of enormous benefit when dealing with life changing events for those he represents as a Trade Union Convenor.
In terms of communication and leadership, his Reservist skills have been exceptionally helpful to him in his role and to us as an organisation.”
Chris believes that Bob’s military skills have proved very useful at work. He is confident not only in representing the staff at Kier Sheffield, but also in communicating with the management teams in the company.
Bob was recently mobilised with 212 Field Hospital, to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. Here he was tasked with having sole responsibility for the maintenance of the hospital, which included ensuring the smooth running of the technical and medical equipment.
Both Chris and Bob agree that mobilisation has been hugely beneficial in terms of Bob’s communication and leadership skills. As Bob says, “I’ve dealt with Brigadiers, Generals, Majors and below. Coming back to work I had to sit down with MDs and Directors to talk about the way forward for the firm. It’s great to be able to stand up, listen and negotiate. Being in the military isn’t always about taking orders, it’s about getting people to work with you.”
Getting plenty of notice was very helpful so we could put a plan in place.”
His employer, Chris, greatly appreciated the amount of notice Bob was able to give them of his mobilisation. Bob knew about his mobilisation in November but wasn’t due to be deployed until the following March, giving his employer plenty of time to arrange cover for his role until his return.
To get your company on your side is fantastic for any Reservist.”
Kier Sheffield LLP have been very supportive of Bob’s Reservist commitments. He gets two weeks’ additional leave every year to attend Annual Camp, and they have never put any obstacles in his way. They also kept in touch over the phone and by email while he was in Afghanistan.
On his return Bob was keen that his managers and colleagues understood what his mobilisation entailed so he organised a series of presentations. Chris shares Bob’s enthusiasm about the value of Reservists at work and agrees that Reservist skills should definitely be seen as an advantage.