Thales is proud to support Reserves Day by inviting all Armed Forces Reservists to wear their uniforms at work
Although you might not know it, there are many Reservists within Thales UK (over 70 at the present time)! The Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces, and are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas.
Members of the Reserve Forces give up their own time to serve, balancing their civilian life with a military career and stand ready to serve as part of the military, if ever their country would need them. The Reserve Forces community is integral to keeping the nation safe, both at home and abroad, but often, the contribution they make to the Armed Forces goes unrecognised. This is why we would like to thank them for their valuable contribution and to celebrate Reserves Day with them.
Thales is proud to take part in Reserves Day, as a demonstration of our commitment to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. Part of our pledge to The Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, as signed by Victor Chavez, CEO Thales UK on 12 September 2014, we endeavour to recognise and celebrate this event and provide support for our active Reservists as well as military veterans and their families.
Lance Corporal Dr Helen Muncie, Defence Business Lead for Thales Cyber and Consulting UK, joined the organisation in 2004. Helen has been an Army Reservist since 2009, has served in Afghanistan in 2013/14 and now works in the Intelligence Corps. Helen says: “My managerial experience in industry was definitely beneficial in stressful situations that required a lot of self-discipline and the ability to empathise with and motivate other soldiers. My military experience has definitely paid off within Thales as I am able to capitalise on my deep understanding of military systems, soldiers and the environments they train and work in.”
Thales’s military knowledge helps to shape future products and services, ensuring they align precisely with the needs of the Armed Forces. Oliver Pearson, Quality Engineer, Transportation Thales UK was able to bring many skills to the workplace such as his statistical techniques. He says his experience in the military gave him the “ability to communicate core information clearly to all levels”. Born in North Wales, Oliver attended Salford University, where he joined the Army Reserve via Manchester and Salford University Officer Training Corps (MSUOTC). Oliver moved to the Royal Corps of Signals after leaving University, and is now attached back to his first unit as an instructor.
Their valuable skills learnt in the workplace and during military service, allow Reservists to bring a unique approach to their roles, both within the office and outside of it. Thales UK is both aware and appreciative of the highly valuable skills that military veterans and Reservists bring to their roles. The leadership, commitment, teamwork and responsibility that they learn through their time in the military are the qualities that make them an enormous asset to us and to defending their country.
Liz Davenport, HR Operations Partner, Thales UK, who has had experience working with and supporting the Reservists Network says: “the skills and experience that Reservists bring in to the work place are key to the current and future success of Thales. We are working with the network to further develop our support systems for our Reservists to ensure we are best placed to support them both whilst they are at work, on annual training and mobilised. Reserves Day is an important opportunity to recognise their commitment to both Thales and the Armed Forces."