Meet the Judges at the English Veterans Awards 2022

/in /by

Jon Carter. Business Development Manager for Company X Consulting Ltd.

I am the BDM For Company X Consulting Ltd, a veteran owned Small to Medium Enterprise Consultancy, and previous winners of Business of the Year & Employer of the Year at the English Veterans Awards. I have worked alongside the military during my 20+ year career supporting MoD and Industry, before joining CXC Ltd in 2018.

My role as one of the 5 CXC Ltd Mgt Board members is head of all externally facing Business to Business and client relationships, lead for Strategy and Growth, and Head of Recruitment as a key element of this growth.

CXC Ltd has a strong affinity with the armed forces, services leavers and veterans, being a holder of a Gold Armed Forces covenant award and staffed by over 90% veterans across all 3 services. We actively support veteran organisations, a number of transition support functions (including Forces Transition Group, Officers Association and CTP), as well as sponsors of a number of Veteran focused causes and activities (including local sports, Women Into Employment, and the Royal Signals institute). We are there to support those service leavers who are considering a career in Consultancy with no obligation advice and guidance.

 

Hilary Hesbrook is the Supporter and Volunteer Engagement Lead for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. 

Hilary Hesbrook is the Supporter and Volunteer Engagement Lead for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.  Portsmouth born and bred, Hilary has many connections to the naval service.  Her Great Grandfather was a Royal Marine and her step-father served in the Royal Navy. Hilary joined the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity in 2011, and is responsible for providing help and support to those fundraising or volunteering for the charity.  The majority of the supporters are serving personnel or veterans who like to give something back.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity is the principal partner charity of the Royal Navy. Beneficiaries lie at the heart of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity’s purpose, it is the charity’s duty to remain focused on their needs. Since 2007, they have funded projects and facilities that boost morale for those who serve today. The charity also distributes millions of pounds annually to military charities which care for the children, families and veterans of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.  In 2021, the charity formed a transition support team, whose aim is to assist those having to leave service earlier than expected, to ensure the best possible start to their civilian life.

Hilary is very much looking forward to helping judge the English Veteran’s Awards and hearing the inspirational stories of the nominees.

 

 

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 8 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 2022 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.

 

Richard Dorney MBE, MStJ, MSc – Director Strongmind Resiliency Training 

Richard is the Director of Strongmind Resiliency Training. Strongmind provides training around Mental Health, Resilience and Trauma Risk Management to a wide range of organisations at home and abroad. The company specialises in supporting those in the toughest jobs from the NHS, police and many other public sector bodies. Strongmind is the lead provider of these services to the UK Government Campus. Our core team of trainers and admin staff are all veterans or military spouses.

Richard served almost 39 years in the British Army as a soldier, Warrant Officer and late Entry Officer. He was responsible for establishing the British Army Trauma Risk Management Training Team and was the subject lead for some years. He also worked in the Army Recovery Capability where he was responsible for the policy relating to wounded injured and sick personnel. Since leaving the Army in 2015 his company has trained thousands of public and private sector staff in mental health, trauma and resilience. He holds an MSc in War and Psychiatry and is himself a recipient of the English Veterans lifetime achievement award.

Nia-Wyn Evans  – Senior Associate Solicitor

I am a specialist military solicitor at Hugh James, based at our London office. I work within the military team representing serving and former military personnel.

Hugh James have proudly sponsored the Veteran Awards since its launch in 2019. I have been fortunate to be invited as a panel member for the awards since its launch and continue to be taken back by the incredible nominations submitted.

I look forward to further celebrating the success and contributions of the military community at the English Veterans Awards towards the end of this month.

 

 

Samuel T Ready, Entrepreneur, Director and Author:

Samuel T. Reddy is passionate about seeing the best in leaders. He is a visionary global leader, leadership transition strategist, author, researcher and an impact entrepreneur based in Hampshire, United Kingdom. Samuel is a multi award winning member of the British Armed Forces, an International Bestselling author of the book Leavers To Leaders, which has reached an Amazon #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Australia and Canada.
He is the CEO of TriAtis Global Leadership, a UK based international training and development organisation specialising in career & leadership transition in 3 continents to keep Leaders relevant, rigorous and responsive. Samuel has taken part in various Shows and is a natural in front of the camera both as a guest and a host. One particular show recorded at University of Southampton Business School is the LOS Cast – a series of talks with business leaders on change, strategy and leadership. As an Inspirational Keynote Speaker he regularly speaks on the ‘3 L.O.S of Leadership’ & the ‘Leaders Operating System’. Samuel is also the co-founder of TriPotential CIC, a social enterprise set up to help the UK government have more cognitive diversity in the military & uniformed services. As a citizen of two commonwealth countries, Samuel believes strongly in sustainable leadership, and has aligned all his books & programmes to improve youth literacy in disadvantaged countries. He is the patron of ‘The Sugarcane Boy‘ Book Club to help children have a book to read at home.

 

 Amelia Davis – Paralegal within the military team at Hugh James

I am a Law student at Cardiff University and have recently completed a placement year with Hugh James. I work as a paralegal within the military team at Hugh James, assisting military and ex-military servicemen and women who have sustained injuries in service.

 My role at Hugh James has highlighted how difficult the transition from military to civilian life can be for some individuals. To gain additional experience and to apply this within the veteran community, I have recently completed my training as a SSAFA volunteer mentor, which will enable me to offer one-to-one support to recent service leavers.

 I am really excited to get involved with this year’s English Veteran Awards and hear all about the achievements of the finalists.

Jason Gillard – Director of Mercury Fitness and Founder of Veterans Awards Northern Ireland

Jason Gillard served 13 years in the Royal Signals as a Radio systems operator and PTI.
On leaving the army Jason moved into the close protection world as a CPO in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In 2016, Jason started his business Mercury fitness NI which is an outdoor bootcamp and has gone on to be voted the No1 bootcmap at the Irish fitness awards in 2020.
He is also the organiser of the Veterans Awards NI.