Warblings 2012 Q2

RBLI NEWSLETTER

Supporting the Armed Forces Community

Edwin Boorman OBE A Tribute Page 3

Seeking Support for Leatherhead Page 6-7

Residency Award Page 9

Working With Russet’s Residents Page 14

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QUARTER 2 - 2012

QUARTER 2 - 2012

CONTENTS Page 3

Edwin Boorman OBE

Page 4

New RBLI Chairman LifeWorks Families

Page 5

TRBL’s Chris Simpkins Visit

Page 6

Seeking Business Support

Page 7

A First Class Service

Page 8

Workplace Assessments

Page 9

Residency Award

Page 10

Centor Supports RBLI QEC Review

Page 11

Launching ‘Victor’ Bygone Days

Page 12

Students Raise Hundreds

Page 13

A Marathon Challenge

Page 14

Working With Russet

Page 15

Harry McAllister

Page 16

Support for Dawa

Page 17

Getting to Know You

Page 18

New Skills & Training

Page 19

Employee of the Month

Page 20

In Work Support Success

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“Social Enterprises, such as RBLI, provide meaningful employment for people who may otherwise struggle to seek genuine work.” This statement made by Sir Paul Beresford, MP for Mole Valley, during his visit (page 6) reflects the continued public support for RBLI’s beneficiaries.

In this challenging time, RBLI continues to remain committed to increasing the valuable work provided for vulnerable people and the Armed Forces in our community. This mission, which is evident throughout this Warblings, with its focus on Leatherhead’s employees, has been and continues to be at the core of everything RBLI do.

In this issue we also hear testimonials from organisations that have used RBLI’s services to support their valued employees and customers, by providing in-work support and employment training (page 14 & 20).

Did you know you can also keep up to date with RBLI, see photos of events, watch videos, and participate in online polls and questionnaires via RBLI’s social media pages?

Just visit www.rbli.co.uk and click on the social media buttons on the right hand side of the page.

Keep your eyes peeled for the RBLI Duck hidden within this edition. If you spot him, within one of the photos, please email: marketing@rbli.co.uk You could win a box of chocolates! The winner will be drawn on 6th June.

Will Gowin

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A TRIBUTE: E DW I N B O O R M A N O B E boredom) got the better of him and he reported the clerical omission to his Sergeant.

Our Chairman Edwin Boorman passed away quietly in Gavin Astor House after a short illness.

A man of boundless energy, enthusiasm, commitment and vision. To those working closely with him; loyal, supportive and generous. So very often inspiring and occasionally very challenging when on a mission to achieve that vision!

Edwin had a remarkable sense of pride; pride in the Queen, Country and the County of Kent. Pride in the KM and many charities. Pride in the Armed Forces and the work of the Royal British Legion. It is for his work in support of Veterans, Royal British Legion Industries and The Royal British Legion that I wish to thank Edwin.

Edwin did his National Service with the Royal Artillery, Gunner Boorman, found this to be a fascinating experience. In 1954 his posting to Dortmund in Germany saw him setting up a printing press for the Regimental Headquarters.

How did he set this up? Well by encouraging and coercing his fellow Gunners to carry individual parts in their kitbags as they returned from leave.

He was also drafted to Woolwich, where his name was inadvertently missed off the Parade Sheet and he avoided daily drill parades by spending each day going backwards and forwards on the Woolwich Ferry.

Eventually, honesty (or perhaps

Gunner Boorman was awarded 28 consecutive days extra guard duties and even some 50 years later I still detected in Edwin a sense of injustice for his act of honesty!

The Army did not have space for another Field Marshal at that time so his career took a much different path but Edwin has given so much to the Armed Forces community.

As a Trustee of RBLI since 1968, Edwin rose through the Trustee ranks to become Chairman, an appointment he held for the last 12 years.

I am sure many of you will know he has set exceptionally high standards. He believed in quality, excellence and integrity. Furthermore he has driven through a vision for the RBL Village to protect the village community for current and future residents. We have a duty to deliver on Edwin’s vision for a beautiful village.

He always understood and adhered to protocols, whether for Remembrance ceremonies (when he could never remember where he last left his Bowler Hat) or for visiting Royalty such as when the Princess Royal opened the newly built Queen Elizabeth Court care home in 2005; where Edwin personally ensured the Princess Royal shook hands and spoke with all 300 residents and staff.

The Princess Royal left very late but in good humour whilst the Royal retinue of Special Branch and Aides were less amused!

Edwin with RBLI staff and Tracey Crouch accepting the Social Firms Certification (Aug 2011)

He was a stickler for preparation for such events, always insisting on a dress rehearsal or walk through.

One of us would have to ‘role play’ the visiting dignitary as Edwin would painfully take us through our paces – an experience to avoid if at all possible albeit quite humorous for those onlookers not given a lead part to play!

This remarkable man with such a remarkable sense of Duty.

He was President of the Royal British Legion in Kent for 5 years and has been President of the Royal British Legion Village Branch in Aylesford for 14 years. How many Presidents turn up for every monthly meeting?. Edwin was even at the meeting held on the night of his 76th birthday last November.

Edwin had that wonderful talent of not only having a vision but also of making things happen. He chaired the RBLI’s AGM’s with a delightfully vague touch, as Morecombe and Wise said, “we spend ages on rehearsing our ad libs!” He made life for many of us an absolute delight with his ability to talk to all, Royals, Lords, Senior Ministers, to the most junior workers, and make them all feel at ease and valued. This sincerity shone through and will remain with us.

Edwin with RBLI Board Members

We at RBLI are all better people from knowing Edwin; we will miss him so much. However, each one of us will recall ambitions and dreams which were important to Edwin and his sense of duty. We can best thank Edwin by continuing to deliver those visions.

Steve Sherry RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter 3

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QUARTER 2 - 2012

NEW CHAIRMAN, RICHARD CORBEN Richard Corben has taken over responsibility as Chairman of RBLI from April 2012.

Richard has been Vice Chairman since 2003 and has been particularly active as Chair of the Estates Development Committee.

L I F E W O R K S FA M I L I E S

© Crown Copyright/MOD 2012

Leaving the Armed Forces due to a health condition or injury is a life-changing experience, not only for service personnel but also their families, spouses and dependants.

When employment opportunities are limited, the responsibility to provide financial support to the family unit can often shift to other family members. With this in mind 2012 sees a new addition to the LifeWorks programme with LifeWorks Families; a course for the spouses and dependants of service personnel who are no longer able to sustain employment due to injury or health.

4 RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter

Designed around the individual seeking work, this 2-day course equips delegates with the skills and confidence to develop their own career. Delivered in-house by RBLI’s Training and Assessment Team, LifeWorks Families builds on the changemanagement coaching and vocational assessment that form the core of the LifeWorks+ programmes which have already proven to be successful for those serving and veterans.

Employability modules are written specifically for those finding themselves in what can be the unfamiliar position of seeking work.

Built to focus on the key components required to make a successful transition into employment, the programme comprises of the following elements: Coaching 4 Change An interactive workshop which incorporates understanding and managing the impact of change, improving self-efficacy

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Richard visited the April LifeWorks course and commented that “this is exactly the sort of charitable work that RBLI should be involved with”.

We wish Richard every success in his new role as Chairman.

and promoting a solutionfocused approach Vocational Goal Feedback and reports from on-line vocational assessment which will help delegates identify strengths and potential career or training opportunities Employability Workshops A range of sessions allowing individuals to develop a greater understanding of: •CV writing •Job searching •Interview techniques •Application forms For more information, please call 0800 319 6844 or email lifeworks@rbli.co.uk.

For the LifeWorks Families webpage, click here

TRBL’s CHRIS SIMPKINS VISIT We were delighted to welcome Chris Simpkins, the Director General of The Royal British Legion to RBLI this quarter.

Chris visited a number of areas of the business and took time to talk to RBLI employees about the work we do. In addition, we discussed important opportunities that we could explore for our organisations to build on our collaborative working and business friendships.

Chris visited our Social Enterprise factory to observe the team making a range of products, including signs, pallets and toy model construction. He was impressed by the significant changes made within the factory since his last visit and was very excited to hear about the recent monster truck build by our Assembly Team.

The Director General went on to meet the team delivering our LifeWorks programme and took the opportunity to

talk to some of the soldiers undertaking the assessment and employability related support.

The visit concluded with a tour of the RBLI village site and an opportunity to talk to the Healthcare and Welfare teams about the integrated approach to delivering services such as healthcare, housing welfare and employment opportunities to our wider group of Armed Forces beneficiaries.

The team discussed the broad range of demographics, healthcare and welfare needs of individuals referred to RBLI and the very personalised approach that is taken on site.

The team provided a number of case study illustrations to our integrated services which enable individuals to develop at their own pace and to their maximum potential, fully embracing the RBLI philosophy of equipping our beneficiaries

for independence through employment and supporting them to prolong that independence.

RBLI continue to work closely with The Royal British Legion, The Poppy Factory and Poppy Scotland as part of the Poppy Family.

We are looking forward to developing even more joint working initiatives with the Poppy Family in order to better serve the needs of the Armed Forces Community.

The strategic objectives of our organisations are clearly aligned and together we can make a real difference.

RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter 5

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QUARTER 2 - 2012

SEEKING BUSINESS SUPPORT The Rt. Hon Maria Miller, Minister for Disabled People announced recently that around 1700 people with disabilities employed through Remploy will face redundancy due to the Government’s decision to withdraw funding for the majority of Remploy factories.

RBLI are seeking additional support from local businesses that procure print, mailing, fulfilment and marketing communications. These business opportunities will help to increase revenue and secure continued employment for the 26 disabled Remploy employees across RBLI’s Social Enterprise network who are currently under threat of redundancy due to these announcements.

to find genuine work. It is commendable to witness in action, companies supporting our vulnerable community, whilst managing to maintain a commercial business. The standard and scale of the products produced by this particular team, regardless of the challenges faced by their disabilities, is remarkable.”

RBLI operates as a Social Enterprise, re-investing any surplus revenues to fund its charitable activities which include providing assessment and training to injured Armed Forces personnel as well as increasing the number of vulnerable people within the community that it employs.

Sir Paul Beresford MP for Mole Valley met with 18 Remploy employees currently facing unemployment, when he visited the Leatherhead site on Wednesday 28th March.

Sir Paul expressed that “Social Enterprises, such as RBLI, provide meaningful employment for people who may otherwise struggle

“It is critically important that RBLI can provide continued meaningful employment to its Remploy employees. These jobs make a real difference to people’s lives, increasing their independence, motivation and confidence” explains Steve Sherry Chief Executive of RBLI.

Operating as a commercial business RBLI offers high quality services for businesses at commercially competitive rates. Purchasing goods and services from RBLI supports organisations in delivering their Corporate Social Responsibility agendas.

RBLI’s Social Enterprise products have been designed to meet a range of business requirements. These unique, bespoke services deliver a range of activities including full mailing house services, signage, digital print, distribution, special assembly projects, gift packaging, storage and fulfilment services.

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Talk to us about how RBLI’s Social Enterprise services and how they could assist your business, please call us on 01372 389940 or email enquiries@rbli.co.uk

AR B L IFL EIATRH ESR HTE A DC: I NLT EARVSI E WSW I ST H EM ARV I C E R K L E G G AT T Whilst RBLI has several offices and factories in the South East.

This article concentrates on RBLI’s factory based in Leatherhead, just south of London.

Speaking with Mark Leggatt this month, RBLI Leatherhead’s Production Manager, I put a few questions to him about the site, the staff and its recent outcomes and updates.

forward to this year’s figures, which I predict will increase against last year. However we need to secure further business in order to support our Remploy colleagues during this difficult time (See Page 6).”

Asked about what was leading to the increase in sales, Mark explained, “A greater awareness throughout the county is having a positive effect on the sales.

Especially through business groups and the Surrey Chamber of Commerce, which are becoming more aware of the work we can provide.”

Mark Leggatt delivering a packing job to Lance from Veritas, for P&O Cruises.

Mark, who sees the whole site as an essential operation, explains, “The Leatherhead site supports people with disabilities in the community, by providing valuable employment and training, which in turn promotes self-confidence, motivation and independence.”

My first question was what does work entail at Leatherhead, to which Mark answered, “Here we mainly produce marketing communications, which includes printing, packaging and the full mailing house activities, we can print almost anything! We also create assembly products and have storage facilities for local businesses and charities.”

Mark continues, “I’m encouraged by the quality and quantity of work that came through the office last year. I’m looking

Heather Burberry producing newsletters

“The increased awareness has mainly come through networking, updated sales literature, regular electronic updates and simply advertising from the side of the building.

We have also seen the benefit of shared contacts from our colleagues in Aylesford. In particular Geoffrey Dodds, who is largely concerned with supporting Leatherhead to a wider and senior audience across military organisations, charities and corporates.”

A key factor at Leatherhead is continuingly increasing customer service and quality of the forward facing operations. Mark explains, “It is key to the teams success, one of our main aims is to over

achieve for all of our customers, turning around quotations quickly and keeping them as competitive as possible.”

Aaron Mitchell mailing 10,000 sales brochures

“As for the work rate, it’s consistent with that of any other factory. Despite many of our staff having a disability or health condition, the work rate remains high in terms of quality and production time frames. Whilst maintaining the fact that it is a commercial business.”

Mark added that although awareness of Leatherhead and the operation was now far greater than before, there are still many people who are unaware of what it does.

“If you have a friend or relative who runs a business who is themselves, responsible for communications or the ordering of print, please suggest RBLI, as we always try to provide competitive quotes. They could be better off!”

For more information or to make an enquiry, please email either mark.leggatt@rbli.co.uk or mike.tuohy@rbli.co.uk.

Alternatively you can call the office on: 01372 389940.

Alex Brimson

RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter 7

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QUARTER 2 - 2012

WORKPLACE ASSESSMENT : UPDATE

In October 2011 RBLI won two contracts to provide holistic in-work assessments on behalf of JobCentre plus.

These assessments fit with RBLI’s continuing aim to empower people with disabilities or health conditions to achieve independence and success through work. Helping people overcome work related needs as a result of health conditions or disability and can provide adaptations to their workplace environments where needed.

The assessments can cover a wide range of issues from back pain at work, visual and hearing impairment support and learning difficulties.

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To provide this important support, RBLI has recruited a number of highly qualified, highly motivated ergonomic and technical assessor’s from across the South of England, London and the Home Counties, through to the Scilly Isles in Cornwall. We have also managed to persuade ergonomic assessors to relocate from Manchester to Brighton and Newcastle to Essex!

The two large delivery areas of London and the Home Counties and the South of England are an exciting challenge for the teams to operate in, however they are well supported by their own coordination team based in Aylesford.

If you would like to know more about this important service, if you have a disability or health condition that stops you from doing a part of your job, access can be made

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through JobCentre plus, or through the DirectGov website.

RBLI are pleased to be able to use our experience providing Access to Work, to supply this support to the wider community. For more information, please contact training.solutions@rbli.co.uk

For the Workplace Assessments webpage, click here

R E S I D E N C Y AWA R D !

Noel McCrerie, aged 91, has been honored by RBLI for his long residency on the RBL Village. Mr McCrerie has witnessed the coming and goings of Prime Ministers, Kings and Queens, and the Second World War, all from his home at East Park Road in Aylesford, where he has lived since 1929.

The story of how Noel came to be on the Village starts

long before today’s modern e-mails and instant messaging were invented. Noel’s father, Alexander, delivered traditional letters by hand on behalf of naval ship commander Admiral Lord Jellicoe (who commanded the British Fleet in the First World War).

Later on Mr McCrerie senior caught tuberculosis. When the Admiral discovered the news, he ordered that Alexander be looked after at Preston Hall and given a legion house for his family. This led Noel to move to the village at the age of nine with his family.

Now having been honored the title of longest residing tenant, having lived at the house for 83 years. Noel explains how he has managed to stay for so long, “Why have I stayed all

these years? I was trained as a plumber when I came out of the RAF and had work with local firms. So it was a very convenient location close to work.”

Noel’s wife Joy, aged 79, added, “The house has changed a bit since I’ve been here, our threebedroom semi has a new roof, different windows and external cladding.”

In a celebration to honor the McCrerie’s incredible lengthy residency, well-wishers and neighbours from around the village came to congratulate Noel and Joy. The couple were presented with a recording of Noel’s father Alexander, who appeared on the Wilfred Pickles ‘Have A Go’ show, which was recorded live at the RBLI Village Hall in 1956.

RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter 9

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QUARTER 2 - 2012

C E N T O R S U P P O RT S R B L I

presentation to Phillip Defraine, Director of Corporate Services.

Centor have been long-standing supporters of RBLI, and this latest donation will help us to continue to provide support for injured service personnel and the wider community.

Neil said of RBLI “I have always been a passionate believer in the work done by RBLI. Their tireless efforts help to improve the lives of former servicemen and women who have done so much for us, which is why am so proud to support them.”

In February Centor, a bespoke insurance and risk management company from London, visited RBLI to present an impressive charitable donation.

The generous donation of £8,000, will be used for a number of beneficiary related projects including our LifeWorks course.

LifeWorks is an innovative work-focused assessment and employability course that provides information, advice and guidance and ongoing support to set the Armed Forces Community on the right track in the world of civilian work.

Neil Walton, CEO of Centor, visited RBLI to make the

We would like to give a huge thank you to Centor for their continued and enthusiastic support.

If you would like to support RBLI’s projects and charitable activities, please call Tammy on 01622 795923 or email tammy.howard@rbli.co.uk.

Q E C F U L LY C O M P L I A N T I N C Q C R E V I E W

RBLI’s residential home, Queen Elizabeth Court (QEC), received an unannounced inspection from the Care Quality Commission and was assessed on the following outcomes: Respect & Good Quality Care, Fully Trained & Supervised Staff, Quality Assurance and Safeguarding.

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Queen Elizabeth Court is a 40 flat assisted living scheme for ex-Service personnel or those with a service connection by way of marriage or birth.

Situated in the parkland setting of the Royal British Legion Village the scheme is designed to enable those of 65 years and over to live independently with the security of 24 hour on-call emergency assistance and personal care at hand.

We are pleased to announce that QEC received full

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compliance in all outcomes.

This fantastic report is a result of tremendous hard work and excellent team work from all of the carers at QEC. A special thanks to John Shaw, Schemes Services Manager, Maggie Wright, Registered Manager of the Service, the team leaders Marti Koers and Lynda Smith and all of the Domiciliary Care Team within Queen Elizabeth Court for all of their hard work and commitment making QEC such a wonderful place for all residents.

LAUNCHING ‘VICTOR’ WITH BLUE SKY with that of Blue Sky, a wellrespected charity working with ex-offenders to provide training and development through employment.

acknowledged at a recent reception hosted by the Rt Hon David Cameron.

To launch Victor, we’ve combined our expertise in the ex-Service environment

This first project went live in Medway on 16th April and will provide grounds maintenance services to Medway Council, who hope that the project will help them meet their objective of reducing reoffending in Medway.

We hope this will be the first of many successful projects Blue Sky was selected as the delivered in partnership with Number 10 Downing Street Blue Sky; we are already Volunteer Partner for 2011, working on the next one recognising their contribution which we hope to be able to to Big Society objectives and detail soon.

BYGONE DAYS

this has resulted in many of the carvings being almost obliterated by erosion.

This month saw the launch of the first Victor Project, providing training, development and work to ex-offenders with an Armed Forces background. The Victor Project is based on a partnership initiative that RBLI has developed with Blue Sky.

Edward Ladd Betts (1862) In the last instalment of our history, I left the story where Edward Ladd Betts had demolished the old Preston Hall and built the one that stands today. The work was completed by approximately 1857 as this was the date reputed to be on the buildings original weathervane. Preston Hall’s architect was John Thomas who worked mainly as a sculptor. Although the main sculpture work on the walls were built of ragstone, the carvings were incorporated using a softer stone, and

In August 1865, it was their son, Edward Peto Betts’ 21st birthday and instead of entertaining their tenants in their home, a day trip was arranged to Crystal Palace.

Every tenant received a printed invitation for the event. On the birthday morning, a train 31 carriages long and drawn by two engines, conveyed the 900 guests from Aylesford to Sydenham. They spent the day sightseeing at the Palace, and then all met for a birthday dinner in the evening.

In 1866, financial disaster overtook the family firm and Betts mortgaged Preston Hall to Thomas Brassey, another railway contractor. The following year Betts’ business affairs ended in bankruptcy

and Brassey took possession of the Hall.

Thomas Brassey, who was a good friend of George Stephenson, constructed the Great Northern Railway as well as railways in India, Australia and Argentina. When he acquired Preston Hall he appointed two of his sons as trustees of the estate.

Brassey in his mid-forties In 1870, Thomas Brassey died, leaving a substantial fortune and the Hall to his third son, Henry Arthur, yet another railwayman. …… to be continued. by the Ancient Mariner RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter 11

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STUDENTS RAISE HUNDREDS FOR HEROES On Wednesday 5th October three schools visited the Royal British Legion Village to battle it out to earn cash to go towards staging a Royal British Legion fundraising event.

Pupils from Oakwood Park Grammar School, Aylesford Sports College and St, Simon Stock participated in a presentation pitch battle against each other to a panel of judges, which included members of the Royal Military Police.

All three of the schools presented fantastic ideas. Pupils from Aylesford Sports College were judged to have the most convincing idea, receiving £1500 to hold a charity event on Armistice Day, Friday, November 11.

The winning Hollywood bash evening was a great success 12 RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter

and the students raised an enormous £769.35 for the Royal British Legion. Students, aged between 16 and 17, dressed up in their smartest suits and most elegant ball dresses to attend the event held at the Aylesford Rugby Club.

basic maintenance. They also received a talk on drink and drug driving. The event was supported by the Armed Forces and a tri-service contingent from the Defence College of Policing and Guarding at Southwick Park.

The highlight of the evening was a special appearance from Armed Forces Personnel, representatives from the Royal Military Police, Royal Engineers and Intelligence Corps. The Forces personnel resplendent in their dress uniforms, recounted their personal stories of service, to help raise awareness of the role played by our Armed Forces and the support offered by the Royal British Legion.

To raise money for the evening event, the pupils held an additional fundraising morning at RBLI’s Capel Morris Centre.

With support of a local driving school, A-Class Driving, the pupils held a driving experience day for local young people aged 16 and 17. They were shown how to change a tyre, check oil and water levels and how to do

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Throughout the rest of 2012 the pupils aim to raise a grand total of £2000. If you would like to help by making a donation, please visit the schools Just Giving website: www.justgiving.com/ aylesfordsportscollege

A MARATHON CHALLENGE: SUPPORT DAVID JESSOP

RBLI Runners, David Jessop (Centre), Philip Defraine Director of Corporate Services (Left) & Sharon Patmore Head of Workplace Psychology (Right) RBLI’s own David Jessop, Director of Operational Delivery, once again exposed his legs in public as part of the RBLI Running Team. David participated in this year’s Virgin London Marathon in support of our friends at The Royal British Legion.

The course is no walk in the park, totalling 26 miles and 324 yards. It is a level course which took place around the River Thames on 22nd April 2012. If you let us jog your memory, you may recall that this was actually the third London Marathon David has completed.

David up early and ready for training at 6:27am.

David was not the sole competitor, this year 37,500 runners competed in the Marathon.

The Legion continues to safeguard the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces.

They are the custodians of Remembrance for our Nation and run the annual Poppy Appeal to raise funds to provide much needed life improving support for those in need from the Armed Forces community, activities very much bonded to our purpose at RBLI. David explains, “My main reason for running 26 miles and 324 yards was to raise funds and awareness of the continued need to keep supporting members of our Armed Forces Community, especially those who are in need of help whether as a veteran or as a current serving member of HM Armed Forces.”

(One from the archive) A youthful David at RBLI in 2004.

David continues, “By running in the Virgin London Marathon and with your support, I hope we can raise significant funds to help continue this essential work.”

We congratulate David for his part in this Marathon, taking it in his stride, having been in training since December in and around Kent. His final time was an impressive 4 hours 12 minutes.

In the long run, David hopes to raise £2000 for The Royal British Legion through donations. So please support his Marathon challenge by making a donation to the Just Giving website (www.justgiving. com/davidjessp), or filling in a donation form available by request, please email david. jessop@rbli.co.uk.

The next event now will be the Maidstone Half Marathon in October, which will have our CE and David running it as part of the RBLI Runners Team. Raising funds and awareness of RBLI’s works in the Kent community, other RBLI Runners most welcome!

RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter 13

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QUARTER 2 - 2012

WORKING WITH RUSSET’S RESIDENTS

RBLI collaborated with a social landlord, in an innovative new scheme to help tenants back into work.

with several members of the group securing job interviews and two members setting up their own businesses.

A group of seven people received the back to work training during the six week course at our training centre at Capel Morris where they gained knowledge of where to look for work, how to make a successful application, how to secure an interview and how to be successful at interview.

Duncan Watson, who has been out of work for 18 years due to injury, said, “As far as work goes, I know what direction I’m taking now. It’s a brilliant course and it doesn’t matter what feelings you have about work, it will sort itself out. I was a bundle of nerves when I came here and things have changed a lot, very quickly.”

They also attended a personal development workshop to increase self esteem and motivation. Social landlord, Russet, part of the Circle group, provided welfare support and benefits advice to complement the employability programmes.

The scheme has seen a number of early successes 14 RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter

Steve Sherry said, “We’ve been delighted to work in partnership with Russet Homes, who have a very proactive and forward thinking approach to supporting their residents.

This fits well with our own philosophy of achieving independence through empowerment to achieve

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sustainable work.”

Russet Managing Director, Steve Woodcock, said, “Tenants without work can become isolated and we’ve been really encouraged to see individual members of the group grow in confidence over the course of the programme. Not only have they benefited from the more formal elements of the course, but working together towards a common goal has undoubtedly enabled them to develop as a team.”

We are extremely proud to provide this service and offer the support to so many individuals.

If you would like to find out more about our work with housing associations, please call Emma Carty on 01622 795925 or email emma.carty@rbli.co.uk

H A R RY M C A L L I S T E R I N V E S T O R

IN PEOPLE S TA N D A R D

With great sadness we have to inform you of the passing of another well-loved member of the RBLI family.

Harry McAllister passed away peacefully on the 31st January in Maidstone Hospital.

Harry’s wife Constance, first moved to Gavin Astor House in June 1996 but sadly passed away very soon after. It was at this time that Harry made great friendships with staff at RBLI and decided to dedicate his time to become a volunteer.

Harry would visit his beloved Gavin Astor House every day including Christmas and bank holidays. He loved to spend time with all the residents.

He had a one-in-a-million personality, always putting a smile on residents and staff faces whenever he was around.

Harry also became a committee member with the ‘Friends of Gavin Astor House’ donating his time and gifts by supporting fundraising activities.

His generosity, kindness and genuine care for residents was honourable, he even bought everyone of the residents an Easter egg and Christmas presents every year.

Harry would help out the staff by serving teas, laying the dining tables and visiting the residents.

Even as Harry’s health began to weaken, he never let up his kind support for RBLI. In 2005 Harry moved into Queen Elizabeth Court as a resident. During this time he also greatly supported the QEC Management, staff and residents with cakes, donations and positive comments.

Harry will be greatly missed.

His kind, selfless dedication and support for his beloved Gavin Astor House touched many residents and staff, and will be fondly remembered by all.

We are delighted that RBLI achieved success in our reassessment for the Investors in People Standard (IiP) in February 2012. IiP is a national quality standard which sets a level of good practice for improving an organisation’s performance through its people by setting and communicating business objectives and developing people to meet these objectives.

We received positive feedback from the assessor, Karen Chantler, on many aspects of the IiP assessment. Moving forward, we intend to aim for a higher level of IiP accreditation so it’s even more important that we keep up the good work, continuing to meet our objectives on an individual and company wide basis.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the interviews – your input was invaluable.

Most importantly, well done to all employees at RBLI for your excellent work in supporting our beneficiaries; your personal effort and team contributions lead to RBLI’s success in IiP. RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter 15

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QUARTER 2 - 2012

CO-OPERATING TO SUPPORT DAWA “Now RBLI’s given Dawa some much needed employment and skills. It’s a holistic approach here. He’s a fantastic signmaker.”

RBLI have also been able to provide him with a place to live on the Royal British Legion Village, where he will receive all the training and support he needs from RBLI’s Welfare team to help him set up his future and reintegrate into society.

Dawa was born in Nepal and moved to England in 2007 after signing up to join the British Army. He moved from his home country to Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire and served with The Royal Gurkha Rifles for 3 years and 10 months.

Dawa (centre right) pictured “Dawa came back from Afghanistan after being injured while conducting a routine patrol,” said Steve Osborne, RBLI Director of Social Enterprise. “A 66mm rocket exploded next to him, the force of the blast was so loud Dawa lost his hearing.”

16 RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter

Following his medical discharge from the Army, Dawa is being supported, in a partnership between RBLI and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, to rebuild his life.

The Soldiers’ Charity are supporting Dawa by making a number of grants to help smooth his transition, funding an online course in numeracy, literacy, computing and web design, and also paying for driving lessons. Passing his driving test on February 2012, Dawa said that “Being able to drive has given me the independence and ability to visit his old colleagues from the Army!”

RBLI are very proud of the fact that Dawa is an employee in our Aylesford factory, where he is a high quality sign maker, learning a trade and earning a wage. Steve Osborne continues,

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Dawa still has family in Nepal and hopes that with his training and subsequent qualifications he can pursue a career in computing and web design. He said, “I just want to say thank you to RBLI and The Soldiers’ Charity. This has given me the chance to live my life unassisted and I am very grateful for your support.”

The Soldiers’ Charity works closely with the Gurkha Welfare Trust to support the welfare of Gurkhas in the UK. Case Study Relations Manager for The Soldiers’ Charity, Kirsty Irvine explained, “We are extremely grateful for the annual grant that the charity continues to receive from the Gurkha Welfare Trust to help make this, and supporting people like Dawa, possible.”

“We wish the very best for Dawa, at RBLI and in the future. He is a very bright, hard working individual, with a warm personality,” said Malcolm Sears, Welfare Office at RBLI. “I have personally enjoyed his company and I am very confident that the ambition he has shown here, will take him far.”

GETTING TO KNOW YOU GEOFFREY DODDS!

This issue welcomes the return of the much missed and renamed Meet an RBLI Employee section! Brigadier Geoffrey Dodds, RBLI Associate helping to promote Leatherhead, is facing the spotlight! Best of Luck Geoff!

What was the last book you read?

The Snowman, Jo Nesbo What’s your favourite food?

Cold Italian fish, red hot chilies, oysters & salad

What is your motto in life?

Festina lente (Make haste, slowly)

What’s your favourite film and or TV show?

Channel 4 News (uggh!)

Who do you respect the most?

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Which sports do you like?

Skiing, Offshore Sailing, Fitness, Rugby (sadly, watching at my age)

Who has had the most influence in your life?

My Mother

How do you spend your free time?

Replying to emails(!), playing bridge, educating myself

If you knew you could you try anything and not fail, what dream would you attempt?

Rock Star

What are your hobbies?

Bridge, gym, cooking What countries have you visited?

Vanuatu, USA, Germany, Bosnia, Kosovo, Poland, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Australia.......... and Scotland!

What do you do on Sundays?

After lunch, I walk over the South Downs

BIRTHS

Congratulations to Michaela Hergest Childs, who gave birth to twins – Jacob and Lucas on 20 February.

Also to Helen Green, who gave birth to Elizabeth (Beth) Lucy Green on 16 March, weighing 7lb 7oz. From everyone at RBLI, very best wishes to you both and your newly expanded families!

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

Rio de Janeiro

What super-power would you most like to have, and why?

To lift heavy objects without breaking my back!

Thank you Geoffrey. We can now imagine you sunning it up in Rio, or playing RockBand with Brunel. Amazing! Keep an eye out for this section in the next issue of Warblings...

NEW STARTERS Welcome to Elvyn Fugio (top right), who started as RGN on 5 March. Also to Wendy Houlan (bottom right), who started as HCA on 27 February.

RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter 17

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QUARTER 2 - 2012

NEW SKILLS & TRAINING: CALLUM being part of the Property Services Team. “ It is so good to be working alongside Don Martin,” Callum explained.

“He has such a large wealth of experience within electronics. I am learning so many practical skills, through working on the job with him, that I may otherwise never have learned.”

In this new feature we interview RBLI staff who are currently training for new skills. This issue we speak with Callum Orpin, 19, who is currently training as an Apprentice Electrical Engineer within the Property Services Team.

Mentored by Don Martin, PST Electrician, we asked Callum how he was finding

USEFUL D AT E S

MAY 7TH Bank Holiday 16TH BFRS Career Event (Capel Morris) JUNE 4TH Bank Holiday 18 RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter

education you require.

“Apprentices help ensure the longevity of this organisation,” explains Geoff Humphreys, Head of Property Services. “We owe it to the community to train young people to agreed standards and create genuine trained people who in turn will train others.”

How do you see your Apprenticeship affecting your career opportunities?

“I absolutely love being part of RBLI and I see my apprenticeship as a stepping stone into the trade, allowing me to progress into more senior roles.”

Very best of luck to Callum, during his Apprenticeship at RBLI. May this training, insight and opportunity to experience the trade, be the 5TH HRH Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee 25TH/29TH RBLI Armed Forces Week 30TH Armed Forces Day

AUGUST 27TH Bank Holiday

JULY 13TH/15TH Kent County Show 19TH Olympic Flame comes to Maidstone

OCTOBER 15TH/19TH Health & Wellbeing Week

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SEPTEMBER 10TH/14TH Social Enterprise Week

NOVEMBER 12TH/16TH Leatherhead Awareness Week

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH colleagues. He is considered to be a font of all knowledge and always goes the extra mile to help where he can.

Congratulations to Daniel Blackman and Roger Leeder for winning RBLI’s Employee of the Month!

Roger won Employee of the Month for November 2011 and was chosen in recognition of his support and assistance to

Daniel Blackman won Employee of the Month for December 2011 and was chosen in recognition of his positive promotion of RBLI to visitors and guests.

He proved himself to be a dedicated member of the Social Enterprise and Manufacturing team, creating a great impression for all of those who come to see our work.

Please remember to submit your nominations for Employee of the Month each month! You can fill out the following form and return it to your Divisional Manager, or scan it and email it to: rosemary.keaney@rbli.co.uk BEST OF LUCK!

E O T M S TA F F N O M I N AT I O N F O R M (To be completed by nominating Employee and forwarded to Divisional Manager)

Name of Nominated Employee

Department/ Division

Nominated for the month of

Nominated by

: : : :

Reason for nomination: (Please complete & explain why the person has been nominated for this award explaining fully how the individual’s action has contributed to performance results or organisational success over the preceding month)

SIGNED (Nominating Employee)

Date:

SIGNED (Divisional Manager)

Date:

RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter 19

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QUARTER 2 - 2012

IN WORK SUPPORT SUCCESS are now better equipped to manage a balanced work day for Stuart.”

“Penny has dealt with my team of quirky individuals (myself included!) in such an intelligent way so that we are all more relaxed and better informed about how to behave and interact with our colleagues including Stuart.”

Stuart, an employee at STI Line Ltd who produce point of sale displays and design work in Gillingham, was struggling to manage a balanced workload due to being diagnosed with OCD and aspergers.

“employers that neglect concerns about stress or job satisfaction risk losing top talent” The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development

Luckily, STI Line Ltd values their employees and understood that extra support may be required to help Stuart. As such they contacted RBLI to help by providing In Work Support.

RBLI’s Chris Cave, Business Support Service Administrator explains, “We know that some employees can require more support than others especially if there is an underlying 20 RBLI WARBLINGS Newsletter

condition, but our consultants will discuss with businesses and their employees to make sure staff have support systems and that expectations are met on both sides. This service helps achieve the best chance of a successful outcome for both the business and employee.”

Dave Driver, Head of Production at STI Line Ltd, e-mailed the team to express his delight with the service provided. “I would like you to know how grateful I am to RBLI’s In Work Support Team.

I have one word for your In Work Support Consultant Penny, Brilliant!”

“I have so enjoyed having Penny here. She has a certain way and a very definite ability to talk to people of all levels, I believe Stuart is far more settled. More importantly I feel everyone at STI Line Ltd

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“The world is a better place because of good people caring for good people. Thank you again.”

Stuart’s name has been replaced to keep his identity private.

For more information about the In Work Support Service, please email workplace.solutions@rbli.co.uk or call 0800 319 6844.

For the In Work Support webpage, click here Designed by Will Gowin © RBLI 2012