AFC Activities

Your AFC has continued to be very active across the whole group of businesses and this is a testimony to all those involved in the community who give their time for this great cause.

KBR and FNC Remembrance Services

The Armed Forces Community ERG were once again joined by colleagues and supporters for the KBR Remembrance Service, held on Mon 11th November in the garden of remembrance between Hill Park Court and Hill Park South, Leatherhead. Barry Donohoe and Tim Andrews laid wreaths this year and Mark Hurford (Royal British Legion Surrey member) was in attendance with bugle and played Last Post and Reville. This has become a poignant annual event and well received among those who take part.

After the service, Richard Westley OBE MC gave a crunchy and detailed account on the UN tour in Bosnia 1995 for his Company of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, including the Battle for Gorazde. These presentations remind us of the commitment and dedication displayed by our Armed Forces, often in complex and austere environments.

Joint KBR / Frazer-Nash virtual Remembrance event – 08 Nov 24

On Friday 08 November 24 Frazer-Nash hosted its annual virtual Remembrance event, the first one to also include our KBR colleagues as well. The event had personal reflections from Steve Brown and Ruth Vaughan on Remembrance and what it means to them. Steve spoke about his families attendance at the annual Remembrance Sunday parade in his hometown of Keynsham, while Ruth described her own thoughts of being a partner of a serving soldier, and the impact that separation has on her own outlook on Remembrance. Ruth also read out a poem that she had written, entitled 'Those who wait' which can be read below.

A 2-minute silence was held and Sarah Wilkes, Frazer-Nash MD, closed with her own reflection on her military family and what Remembrance means to them.

Thanks to all who assisted in the delivery of the event, which was well received by all who attended, We Will Remember Them.

Those who wait, by Ruth Vaughan

As the world moves on, so do we,

In quiet strength and company.

With half our hearts held far away,

We freeze in time, we wait, we stay.

We are the ones who pick up the pieces,

Who hold the home as worry increases.

Unsung heroes, quiet and still,

We carry the weight; we love and will.

Remembrance means much more to us,

Who share in bonds of trust and loss.

Friendships built in war’s own fire,

Stay with us, whole, and never tire.

For those who serve, we stay behind,

Holding fast through space and time.

For those who wait, and love, and know,

Today, we honour; today, we show.

Lest we Forget.

KBR secure Gold Award Revalidation

KBR have secured a five-year revalidation of the prestigious Gold award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for our continued support to the Armed Forces Community (AFC). This would not have been achievable without the volunteers from our AFC Employee Resource Group, and the work done to support recruitment, charities and our veteran, reservist and militray spouse employees.

This revalidation acknowledges our long-term commitment to the armed forces and highlights the sustained support to implementing forces-friendly initiatives into the business.

About the scheme

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The ERS is designed primarily to recognise private sector support although public sector organisations such as the emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts and executive agencies are also eligible to be recognised.

Women in Defence: Leadership Development Programme

Thank you to Natalie Haarer, Anne-Mae Champion-Russell and Chloe Woodruff

Natalie-Reflections

‌Forces Wives Challenge (FWC) is a social enterprise, that our own KBR employee military spouses have in the past benefited from their knowledge and experiences. They have established a Leadership Development Programme with the aim to develop female leaders with the skills, knowledge, and experience to excel in dynamic and challenging environments. It was held at the world-renowned Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) on 23-24 November 2024, where there was networking with other corporate attendees and with the military spouses’ network. Upon application and review KBR sent Natalie Haarer, and Frazer-Nash sent Annie-Mae Champion-Russell and Chloe Woodruff (See below for their personal reflections)

The weekend started in RMAS's New College with icebreaking activities to get to know the rest of the group, followed by theory on the performance spiral. We put our the theory about leadership and feedback to the test after lunch, with team activities of tabletop tower-building and braving Storm Bert out in the RMAS grounds, wrapping up the day with a discussion on different leadership styles. The intended dinner in the Officer's Mess didn't go to plan as they didn't get our reservation but Heather, FWC's founder, showed her leadership by pivoting and finding an alternative location. We ended the night with an inspiring fireside chat with Colonel Hannah Stoy, hearing about her incredible journey so far and the challenges she has overcome.

We started bright an early on Sunday, covering coaching theory and how to challenge people's belief systems. We then split out back into our teams for a race around the lake carrying a "patient" on a stretcher and tackling various physical challenges along the way. As the weekend drew to a close, we all reflected on what we'd learnt in our time together and what we would take away to our everyday lives. The whole weekend was an amazing experience and it is great that the Armed Forces Community are supporting such a wonderful community of women.

I would strongly encourage future applicants to the programme. I’ve learned so much about myself, my natural leadership style and where I have opportunities to improve. Not only that, but I’ve also built a great network of supportive, interesting and creative women from all walks and stages of life.

Annie-Mae – reflections

I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend this inaugural programme at Sandhurst. The group naturally consisted of Forces Wives, but Chloe, Natalie Haarer (KBR) and I were very welcome “civvy” additions! Reflecting on the weekend, a main takeaway is that sadly a lot of us on the programme shared the same doubts and lack of self-belief in ourselves. The programme was great in helping us build our confidence and strength in ourselves and our ability to lead.

My highlight of the weekend was the talk we had from Colonel Hannah Stoy. She is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff in HQ Field Army and the co-chair of the Army Service Women's Network. I found her to be a very passionate, inspiring and natural leader, who places emphasis on healthy communication styles and relationships with her teams. Her motto became our phrase of the weekend: Back Yourself!

Chloe – reflections

This experience has been nothing short of transformative. The opportunity to explore the military from the perspective of Forces Wives, while also honing leadership skills, has provided me with invaluable insights. As someone who thrives on being active and is a visual learner, I found the blended learning approach; combining classroom instruction with outdoor team-building exercises was particularly engaging. This dynamic method allowed me to not only apply theoretical concepts in real-time but also strengthened my bonds with fellow participants.

My previous connection to the military, through my two years with University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) Bristol during university, deepened my understanding and empathy for the challenges faced by Forces Wives. This unique experience, which paired leadership training with a personal connection to military life, has been a highlight of my professional journey, especially at the start of my career. The trainers were incredibly supportive, creating an environment that was both fun and educational, making the weekend unforgettable. The lessons and memories I’ve gained will undoubtedly stay with me for life.

To any aspiring female leaders, I wholeheartedly recommend this opportunity! It caters to all levels of experience, embraces various learning styles, and provides a platform to grow both professionally and personally.

Wing Walking

A message from RAFA:

Hi Simon and Chris,

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and your team of Wing Walkers for their support over the last few months.

I hear they had an amazing day yesterday and below is a group picture of them all with the team. I also hear some want to come back and do Aeros!

Please pass on my thanks to them all as they smashed their fundraising targets – on just giving they have raised £3799 and fingers crossed they may go over £4K as Helen still has some cash to count that was handed over yesterday.

Chris you did an amazing job supporting the team and keeping them focused – thank you and I hope you are now recovered from the GNR.

We really do value your support as an ERG and look forward to seeing more Wing Walkers in 2025 (fingers crossed).

Thank you again and speak soon.

KBR Supporting Frimley and Camberly Cadets Corps

As part of our Employer Recognition Scheme, we are currently working with one of our Adult Cadet Volunteers, Louie Ruck, who is part of the Frimley & Camberley Cadet Corps, that are affiliated with the Queen’s Regimental Association. KBR Armed Forces Community committee has supported our employee and this Cadet Corps with a stock of embroidered polo shirts for the children. They recently had an external First Aid competition entered two teams- which both came second! Looking very professional and proud in their polo shirts

Officers Association Scotland-Networking Event

Our Senior Project Manager – Dave Clouting, represented KBR at the Officers' Association Scotland networking event alongside Julie Connell and George Mackey in Edinburgh.

KBR is part of KAD Nuclear delivering a range of services on the Clyde and beyond for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), committed to growing a local workforce and supporting military leavers and their families.

On Sat 16th November, 71 Engineer Regiment celebrated its 25th Anniversary with an event at Edinburgh Castle. I invited two colleagues from Frazer-Nash – Stu Currie (Managing Consultant) and Scott Torbett (Group Leader) – as guests of the regiment to recognise the continued support Frazer-Nash provides to the Army Reserve. Stu and Scott were chosen due to their work in support of Armed Forces Day events and veterans’ charities, in particular Officers’ Association Scotland which offers employability support to service leavers of all ranks (not just officers!).

Forces Pension Society - Lunch and Learn

On the 29th October 2024 the ATC ERG facilitated a ‘Lunch and Learn’ session by the Forces Pension Society (FPS) about the Armed Forces Pension Scheme via MS Teams. The purpose of the brief was to remind UK Veterans and Reservists of key features of their Armed Forces Pension and help them make better informed decisions in relation to that pension both now and in the future.

The following aspects were covered during the presentation:

A recap of how pension benefits were accrued during service across the various pension schemes;
For reservists pension earning under the current 15 scheme will be highlighted;
2015 Remedy (McCloud) background and decision making;
A recap of the ages deferred pensions come into payment;
How and when pension benefits increase;
Dependant’s Benefits;
How to obtain a pension forecast for a deferred pension;
How to claim a deferred pension;
Contact details of Veterans UK - the Armed Forces Pension Scheme administrator; and
The Forces Pension Society – benefits of Membership.

The FPS have provided some useful links, forms and guidance for the issues that were explored in the presentation. These cover how to keep an eye on your pension entitlement; know who to speak to and when; outline how and when to apply for your pension; and, other pension topics you might find useful. Please click the links here:

Useful follow up info: AFPS Presentation - some useful follow up information - Forces Pension Society
Reservists Pensions (Milroy case): UPDATE: The Milroy Case and Reservists' Pensions including guidance to those who may be affected - Forces Pension Society
Reduction in LSA breaks AF Covenant: Our Armed Forces are 'Working People'; reducing Lump Sum Allowance would break a promise - Forces Pension Society
How to join the FPS: Join Now - Forces Pension Society

Please reach out to your AFC committee member should you wish to have more information.

RAFA Outreach - November 2024

KBR took part in the RAFA Outreach, where we call RAF Veterans to check on their wellbeing and offered further assistance if needed. This programme is such a worthy initiative to be involved in and you could really see the difference these calls make to the Veterans. Special thanks goes to Jessica Popkiss, Emma Taylor and David Frak