During Armed Forces Week, we speak to Katy Maloney to understand how our commitment to the Forces community provides essential support for military families.
We spoke to Katy about joining the Armed Forces community at the company and how this is helping to further her own professional prospects.
New beginnings in South Wales
As the wife of a current Army serviceman, Katy knows all about the sacrifices military families make. Husband Ollie, who serves in The 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was recently required to move over to MOD St Athan in South Wales at four weeks’ notice – nearly 250 miles away from their former home in Colchester.
Subsequently, Katy made the switch across and successfully applied for a role as Procurement Administrator with us based in Port Talbot.
While undergoing her induction, she explained the background behind her move and was immediately buddied with Rachael Smith, Head of HR, who served in the Army for 13 years before joining us.
“SRM was the first place I have really felt accommodated as part of a military family,” Katy says. “I have been here for five months and have been supported from the off.”
Buddying up
Our buddying system matches colleagues from a Forces background to offer mutual support based on shared experiences. It is an optional and informal network, but one which Katy says has been instrumental in settling into her new role.
“The buddying system really helps because Rach understands what it’s like and the dynamics to have people away,” Katy says.
“People who aren’t from a military background might not understand that you get four weeks’ notice to move and you don’t have a choice where you’re going. When your partner has been away for months and comes back, it can be difficult to adjust to, but that is hard to explain to someone who has never been in that situation.
“While these things will always be out of your control, it is nice to be somewhere that understands and provides the space to interact with others who have been in the same situation.”
The buddying system is in addition to our Veterans network, which draws upon the experiences of the Armed Forces community to shape how we can continue to improve our support.
It is fantastic to have the opportunity to flourish professionally. It would not have been possible without being able to lean on someone who understands the life of a military family, and the willingness of the company to go above and beyond to help me along the way.
Career progression
Katy has historically found career progression difficult due to the commitments many employers and academic institutions require. However, through the advice and guidance provided by Rachael, she is now exploring professional progression options which work alongside her personal circumstances.
“I have looked at doing a degree so I could qualify while I work but they take up to six years, with potential consequences for leaving mid-course, including repayment of the course fees and commitment to stay at the company after qualifying, which I haven’t been able to commit to for all the reasons previously outlined.
“When I talked this through with Rach, she was determined to find a way to support me and SRM are looking at putting me through a Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship, which takes four years part-time, and can be flexed around my work and personal life with no repercussions if Ollie gets moved elsewhere and I have to leave mid-degree.
“It is fantastic to have the opportunity to flourish professionally. It would not have been possible without being able to lean on someone who understands the life of a military family, and the willingness of the company to go above and beyond to help me along the way.”
Company-wide support
According to Katy, this support and understanding extends right across Sir Robert McAlpine and is not limited to those with experience or knowledge of the Armed Forces community.
“The dynamics of being in a Forces family often mean lots of last-minute plans. When Ollie is away, we get a rough idea of when he is coming home but not a specific date so when we eventually find out, I often have to request leave right at the last moment. My manager couldn’t be more supportive in accommodating this, and it makes a huge difference.
“The support I get from my colleagues is amazing. Even if they have no knowledge of the Forces, it feels like there is a shared commitment to support the community. Our Project Director isn’t from a military background but he completely understands it.
“Right from the moment I joined, it has felt like such a welcoming and understanding environment.”
We have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, which recognises employers who have shown exceptional support to the Armed Forces community, including reservists, veterans and military families.
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