Recognising Armed Forces Day

PSI Global have recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge to acknowledge and understand that those who serve and have served, along with their families, deserve our respect and deserve to be treated fairly in our communities.

A key member of our Industrial Services team, Team Leader and Account Manager Brendan Robinson is also a former member of the Royal Navy. We spoke to him about what Armed Forces Day, taking place on Saturday 29 June, means to him and fellow current and former Armed Forces members.

What does Armed Forces Day mean to people currently serving and those who previously served?

Having had the privilege of serving in the Royal Navy during my twenties, Armed Forces Day carries a certain level of weight and significance to me and those like myself. Not only is it a day for us to reminisce about the good times and the tough times, but also to support those who are serving their country currently. Different to Remembrance Day, which is a sobering reminder of those who have sadly fallen in the line of duty for their country, Armed Forces Day is a cause for celebration for all things military.

The day is not only significant for those directly connected to the military but also serves as an inclusive occasion that enables the civilian population to actively take part in the celebration.

PSI Global have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. How important is it to current and former members of the Armed Forces when companies show their support by doing this?

When companies sign the Armed Forces Covenant, it shows their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. This recognition, coupled with employment opportunities and a supportive work environment, is highly valued by current and former members of the Armed Forces.

It is something that I am extremely proud of, working in a company like PSI Global that recognises these factors. This has long been a passion of mine as I have, during my time in the recruitment industry, championed those with a military background more than I typically would anyone else. You can never truly shake that feeling of wanting to help your military brothers and sisters.

Being a member of our Industrial Services team and a former member of the Armed Forces, what will visiting our dockyards be like for you?

Stepping out onto Queen St, Portsmouth after crossing the threshold of Nelson Gate for the final time, returning my Military ID, stirred up a feeling of bittersweet relief and sadness. Relief as I realised my service was complete, knowing I had fulfilled my duty and eagerly anticipated the prospects that awaited me in the post-Royal Navy chapter of my life. Yet, alongside that relief, sadness knowing I would forever leave a part of myself behind in Portsmouth, my home port, and aboard the ships that I had come to call home.

However, now that the cosmic forces governing the universe have granted me an opportunity to revisit my former stomping ground, this time as a civilian proudly employed by PSI Global, I am equally excited and anxious.

In this new role, I am dedicated to ensuring the contentment and well-being of the industrial contractors we recruit and employ, who play an essential role in supporting the Royal Navy through indispensable repairs, refits, and training exercises.

My journey doesn’t end in Portsmouth. In fact, I will be venturing to numerous dockyards across the country where PSI Global has established its presence. This includes the renowned Devonport Dockyard, where I had the privilege of serving during a relatively brief but meaningful chapter of my Naval career.

Brendan Robinson is a member of our Industrial Services team and is regularly recruiting for positions in dockyards across the UK. If you’re an ex-service member looking for work, you can contact Brendan in our head office on 01512943007 or on 07375674858 to have a confidential discussion and register your information.