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The Officers’ Association (OA) is dedicated to supporting Officers of the Armed Forces, ex-officers and their dependants. The OA provides employment advice and job-finding services for ex-officers at all stages of their working lives, not just when they are leaving the Services. The OA also provides general advice, financial and welfare support to ex-officers and their dependants throughout their lives.
The overarching rule is that any man or woman who has held the Queen’s Commission, whatever their age or length of service, is entitled to the services of the OA for life.
The Employment Department helps officers find jobs. So whether just leaving one of the Services and needing help with finding a second career or if returning later on in life, the OA is able to help. The Reserve Forces are also welcome and a high priority is given to reservists who have been called up for active service.
So how does the OA help? Most importantly, the OA offers a “bespoke” service to each officer client, adding for those who are Service leavers, an extra dimension to their resettlement. The OA provides support and dispassionate advice in complete confidence at any stage of a service career and encourages officers to make contact well before they take the decision to leave. For those who left the Services some time before, there is also an individually tailored package. There is no cost, as the OA does not charge for its services.
All the following services are offered to any ex-officer:
Individual counselling: The OA Career Consultant (who will have experience of both the Armed Forces and commercial world) will tailor their advice to individual needs, whether it is help on which sectors to try and enter; CV or interview skills advice; or networking contacts.
Networking: The OA has a unique network of contacts in a wide range of employment fields. All the contacts are prepared to give advice to ex-officers. Registering with the OA offers the potential to link into this influential network.
Employment symposiums: Held approximately once every three months, OA registrants are invited to attend to hear the experience of other officers, to meet head hunters and to hear about opportunities in a variety of sectors that may be of interest to them.
Pick of the Week. The OA provides access to its own website, which is updated on a daily basis, advertising jobs particularly suited to officers’ skills. In addition, access is provided to the official Careers Transition Partnership website which is used by thousands of employers.
How to register: Contact through www.officersassociation.org.uk. Alternatively, contact the Office Administrator, Alexandra Carrington on 020 7808 4170 or on pad@oaed.org.uk. Interviews can also be booked through Mary Plume on 020 7218 1814.
The Benevolence Department provides advice on a wide range of state benefits and financial support to ex-officers and their dependants. Of the beneficiaries, 57% were from the Army, 23% from the Royal Air Force and 20% from the Royal Navy. The team liaises closely with other Service and civilian charities to help support each individual.
The financial support takes the form of annual allowances, or one off grants to help with specific items. The list is wide ranging, from household goods to disability items, including mobility scooters and stairlifts. The OA also helps with shortfalls in care home fees.
Self referrals are accepted and potential clients can apply by completing the application form available from the department. One of the OA’s own volunteer caseworkers, known as Honorary Representatives, will visit in the comfort of your home to provide a confidential report, so that your case may be considered.
More information can be found at www.officersassociation.org.uk.
Make an enquiry to the Officers' Association using the Turn2us Grants Search database
Visit the Elizabeth Finn Care website
Turn2us - to access benefits & grants.
