Meet the Judges at the English Veterans Awards 2023

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Mr Jon Carter (JC) – Head of Capability Growth and Business Development CXC Group

JC joined Company X Consulting following an 18 year career working in the MoD. Although JC has a civilian background, he has worked closely with the armed forces throughout his career in both the public and private sector. Since joining CXC as a consultant in 2018, JC has risen to Head of Capability Growth and Business Development. Over the last 24 months JC and the CXC team have provided transitional support to over 10% of all service leavers, providing free advice and guidance for those who are looking to take a step into consultancy as a career path. This support to veterans, wider veteran causes, and as an employer of over 90% veterans, have seen CXC achieve Armed Forces Covenant Gold status.

 

Sue Dorney MCTHA, Strongmind Resiliency Training 

Sue is a British Army veteran, where she served as an Experimental Assistant in Gunnery. She is the Co-founder and Director of Strongmind Resiliency training with over 30 years of experience in business administration and project management. During the first Gulf War in 1991 she was an Assistant Casualty Visiting Officer. Making her very familiar with the stresses experienced by people particularly those in public services.

Sue is really looking forward to meeting all the inspirational people at the Veterans Awards night!

 

Jack Dickinson – Solicitor, Hugh James 

I am a military solicitor at Hugh James, based at our head office in Cardiff. I specialise in providing legal representation and legal services for veterans and currently serving members of the armed forces.

I am also involved with various groups in the veterans community, and fundraising for key veterans charities.

Hugh James have proudly sponsored the Veterans Awards since 2019, and I have seen the awards grow from strength to strength. I look forward to meeting all the finalists and celebrating the difference they have made,

and their incredible achievements after transitioning to civilian life.

 

Guy Williams, Volunteer for the Veterans Advisory Pensions Committee South West, Facilities for Wessex RFCA

Guy Williams works for the Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and a member of the VAPC SW for 3 years leading on Transition. Served in the Royal Marines for 27 Years. After leaving the Royal Marines in 2009 joined the

Wessex RFCA in the Facilities Department looking after the Reserve Forces and Cadet Buildings with Soft FM issues. Also helps organise the Falklands Reunions for 42 Commando Royal Marines every 5 years. A keen runner and completed 230 marathons since leaving the Royal Marines.

This is the first time he has judged at the Veterans Award and is looking forward to seeing what great work Veterans are doing for the Country and local Communities.

 

Hannah Cullen – Associate Solicitor, Hugh James 

I am an Associate Solicitor with Hugh James, I am based in our Cardiff office and I provide specialist legal representation and legal services for current and former members of the armed forces.  As a team we provide advice on a number of issues to include military deafness, PTSD and NFCI.

As a firm we are involved with many organisations raising money and awareness for the veterans community and this is something I am passionate about.

Hugh James have sponsored the Veterans Awards since 2019 and I have attended many of the ceremonies, they are always a fabulous occasion and a real celebration of fantastic achievements.  I am honoured to be on the judging panel this year and know it will be another great event.

Matthew Williamson TMIET Eng Tech VR (Telecommunications Technician FTT) Serica Energy.

An Experienced long serving specialist in Telecommunications systems within the UK energy sector, as well as a serving army reservist for over 23 years. I am Employed by Serica Energy who positively support my Reserve activities and actively looks for and supports veterans in industry.

I am an active volunteer member of 39 Signal Regiment, a local Reserve Signal Regiment based in Bristol, and I have lived in the area and southwest for much of this time.

Having served for a long time as well as working in a highly skilled sector I have experienced what veterans can bring to industry and being employed with in the Offshore Energy sector, I actively use my experience in promoting veterans.

I have not sat on a judging panel before and am honored to have been invited to do so, I am really looking forward to seeing some of the amazing differences veterans have made.

 

 

Darren Fuller – FDM Group – Regional Manager South, Ex Forces Programme

I am The Regional Manager South for FDM Groups Ex-Forces Programme, my day-to-day role sees me helping Ex-service personal of all ranks into successful careers within Tech or Business and continuing to support them whilst on that journey.

I had a full military career myself, spending over 20 years in The Parachute Regiment, those 20 years were some of the most exciting years of my life giving me memories that will last a lifetime. This time also helped me, gain considerable skills and experience that whilst at the time I might not have realised are highly sought after and transferable into the civilian job market. On leaving the forces in 2014 I settled in Colchester with my wife and children.

During the past 9 years I have stayed within the force’s community working for military charities gaining experience in employment, Fundraising, Governance and Welfare, before starting in my current role with FDM.

I’m really looking forward to being on the judging panel for the 2023 English Veterans Awards, to play a small part in Celebrating the talent and success that Ex-Forces bring to their communities is something I’m honoured to do.