Individuals in the Reserve Forces – known as Reservists – are ordinary men and women who give up their time to train and serve alongside the Regular Forces. In celebration of this year’s national Reserves Day, which gives us the opportunity to recognise those who serve as Reservists, we found out more about two employees with Merseyside-based Sovini Group and their path to Reserve Service with local Army Reserve logistician’s 156 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps.
Ryan Westhoff
“I had always planned to join the Army Reserve due to my family connections, but the partnership work my employer (The Sovini Group) was doing with the Armed Forces community inspired me to join up sooner than I had originally planned. I often had conversations with the permanent staff from 156 Regt RLC whenever they were in our office, which encouraged me to take that step.
“Since becoming a Reservist I have been involved in setting HR staff based policies surrounding leave for Reservists and military spouses to ensure that our HR department, when setting the policy, had my personal perspective so that it was tailored to suit modern military life.
“As a new recruit into the Army Reserve I have been supported in the role with special leave and support from our Armed Forces Champion Ian Fazakerley, Group Executive Director. HR Policy’s states ‘Sovini may grant reservist up 10 extra days paid leave for annual training exercises’. Sovini have said that they will support me as a reservist employee during times of mobilisation and demobilisation, and offer a dedicated armed forces employee and Armed Forces Champion.
“I swore The Oath of Allegiance whilst in work; Major Dowling and Warrant Officer Day from 156 Regt RLC were in attendance, to swear me in and support me through this process. As a Reservist, I appreciate the flexibility that my employer offers. Management are very keen to be as supportive as they can in terms of flexible working arrangements etc. The 10 days annual leave is a particular benefit as it lets me save my holiday time, which is very important to allow me to balance my home life with work and reserve service.”
Tracy Newman
“Having worked closely with 156 Regt RLC and our local squadron over the last few years and the partnership we have created, and developed, I have often thought about joining the Army Reserve. I have conversed in depth with members of 238 Squadron over the last year who have helped me to realise that although a challenge, it is one that I can rise to, and one they can fully support me in achieving. I have a busy home life, however they have been able to allay my fears, to encourage me and spur me on. In addition to this, I know that there are HR policies which may allow me to take special leave for Army Reserves training and if I was to be called up on active duty OVH will ensure I am reinstated in the same type of job in which I was employed on the same terms and conditions.
“My manager and team have been fully supportive of my application and could not have done more to help me. Ryan, one of our Armed Forces Champions has been just a phone call away to answer any questions I have had with regards to what happens next and how he felt during the whole process, it has meant a lot to me to be able to draw on the experiences of a fellow colleague who has not long gone through the process.
I have completed my first interview and have been passed through to the selection stage. I look forward to the challenges that face me knowing that I have the complete backing of my organisation and colleagues.”
