Written by Jacob Welsh, Forces Liaison Co-Ordinator
From the Royal Navy to Supporting the Forces Community: My Journey with the Pertemps Forces Liaison Team
As we approach Remembrance Day, a time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who serve, I’m reminded of my own journey in the Royal Navy and how it shaped my life.
After spending 10 years in the Royal Navy as an Above Water Warfare Tactical (AWT) specialist, I developed a deep appreciation for teamwork, discipline and adaptability. Life at sea taught me how to stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively and lead with purpose. These are qualities that have shaped not just my career, but my approach to helping others.
When I left the military, I experienced firsthand how challenging the transition into civilian life can be. It is not just about finding a new job, it is about rediscovering your identity, adjusting to a new way of lif, and recognising the true value of your military experience. That understanding is what drives me every day in my role as Forces Liaison Lead at Pertemps, a position I have held since 2021.
At Pertemps, our Forces Liaison Team is dedicated to supporting veterans, service leavers, reservists, military families and the wider Armed Forces community. We help people recognise their transferable skills and connect them with meaningful employment opportunities across a wide range of sectors.
Through this work, we continue to honour the dedication and sacrifice of those who have served. Our work also involves collaborating with local councils, military charities and partner organisations that share our goal of empowering the Armed Forces community to build successful civilian careers.
As part of our ongoing commitment, Pertemps is proud to hold the Gold Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Award, the highest accolade an organisation can receive for its support of the Defence community.
This award reflects our deep respect for those who serve and acknowledges the proactive steps we take to ensure equal opportunities for veterans, reservists and military families within our organisation and beyond. It stands as a testament to our long-term dedication to the Armed Forces Covenant and the values it represents.
We regularly attend Career Transition Partnership (CTP) events and local military engagement days to meet service leavers face-to-face. Listening to their stories and helping them take their next steps is always humbling. What motivates me most is knowing that we can and will do everything possible to support those who have served because I have been in their position myself. I understand the uncertainty, the self-doubt and the desire to find a new sense of purpose once the uniform comes off.
My message to anyone leaving the military is this: your experience matters. The qualities you have built, resilience, teamwork, and dedication are highly valued in the civilian workplace. You bring something unique, and there are people and organisations ready to help you put those skills to work.
At Pertemps, we are proud to champion the Armed Forces community, recognising not only the service of veterans and reservists but also the vital role played by military families who stand behind them. Together, we are helping to ensure that every member of this community has the opportunity to thrive in civilian life.
This Remembrance Day, we remember and honour the courage of the Armed Forces community, and we remain committed to supporting them every step of the way.
To find out how Pertemps Armed Forces Liaison can help you, visit https://www.pertemps.co.uk/about-us/armed-forces-support/
