Arundel Castle to Host First-of-its-Kind Networking Event for Veterans Struggling with Employment
The Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal of England, has announced that his home, Arundel Castle in West Sussex, will be the site of a landmark networking event designed to support veterans in finding employment. This event, scheduled for July 1st, is the first of its kind and is free for all veterans to attend.
The idea for the event came from Renford Marsden, the son of a WWII British Army veteran and the organizer and sponsor of the event. In partnership with RBLI, an organization dedicated to finding employment for veterans, Renford hopes to connect veterans struggling to find work with organizations that wish to support them.
The event has garnered support from various companies, including JobOppo, Southern Railway, and Sussex Police, all of whom have expressed a desire to help veterans find employment. Over 70 guests have already confirmed their interest in attending.
“I had no hesitation in believing in the idea or concept and the connection to the Armed Forces Covenant to benefit veterans’ employment. I believe it is a great initiative to support veterans with a successful outcome,” said the Duke of Norfolk.
Renford, who spent much of his career working with the UK Ministry of Defence, understands the challenges faced by veterans when trying to find employment after their service. After his contract ended, he found himself unemployed and struggling to compete in the job market due to ageism. He eventually took on a zero-hours contract at McDonald’s while retraining through distance learning and later founded his own business, The Trainer Explainer®.
The event was also inspired by a conversation Renford had with Jean Rogers, veteran advocate and actress known for her role as Dolly Skilbeck on ITV’s Emmerdale. Jean, who has experienced discrimination as a veteran herself, came up with the idea for the event while discussing the challenges faced by veterans with Renford.
“I envisaged an exciting coming together in Arundel Castle’s Barons’ Hall on a significant day in the British Military’s history – July 1st – for those who have the need and those who can assist,” said Jean.
Renford and Jean hope that this event will not only connect veterans with prospective employers but also provide them with much-needed support and friendship. The event aims to raise awareness for RBLI’s Lifeworks program, which helps veterans overcome unemployment, depression, PTSD, life-changing injuries, and homelessness. 80% of unemployed veterans who participate in the Lifeworks program find paid work or volunteering placements within 12 months.
“I am overjoyed that we have been able to put together this opportunity to bridge the gap between veterans and employers,” said Renford. “We hope to encourage as many companies as possible to participate and pledge a donation of £1000 each to RBLI to help Lifeworks in Sussex. We could all feel incredibly proud if we are able to achieve this — bringing unemployed veterans into exciting teams and great companies in dignified paid work across the UK.”
The event, which is sponsored by Wordsmith & Paper Limited and its trademark brand, The Trainer Explainer®, will take place in July 2024 and is a charity partner of RBLI. It aims to promote the values and goals of The Armed Forces Covenant county-wide and shine a spotlight on veteran recruitment in Sussex.
“Joining the Royal Navy at 17 taught me important skills such as discipline, work ethic, and the ability to work as part of a team. These skills have proven invaluable in every job I’ve held since. Veterans are a true asset to any organisation, as our experiences provide us with numerous transferable skills that can benefit any team,” said Helen Richards, Founder and Director of The Little Calm Company and The Office Retreat.
“I have long wanted to find a way to promote the need for Sussex veterans not only to find gainful employment after leaving the Services, but also to feel valued and hopeful of the future. The Armed Forces Covenant was set up a decade ago to help ensure veterans and their families have the support and dignity they deserve from the Nation, but it needs more recognition. All credit to Renford Marsden who is facilitating this in a wonderful way in partnership with the amazing RBLIndustries,” said Jean Rogers.
Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), an organization that has been helping veterans for over a century, is the charity partner for the event. Emma Nugent, Assistant Director of Strategic Development at RBLI, stated, “Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) was established in 1919 and the founders were well ahead of their time in providing skills and paid employment opportunities for disadvantaged veterans. Today, RBLI is reaching over 1,000 veterans a year right across the UK who are overcoming long-term unemployment, depression and PTSD, life-changing injury, and also homelessness. The current employment landscape is particularly challenging for
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