News
June 26th 2013
Naval Reservists support Uniform to Work Day
Eight Reservists from HMS Sherwood in Nottingham will be wearing their Naval uniforms into their civilian workplaces today (26 June) to show their support for Uniform to Work Day.
Uniform to Work Day takes place every year ahead of Armed Forces Day, and is designed to raise awareness about the different roles Reservists do in our communities as well as raising awareness about the forthcoming National Armed Forces Day event in Nottingham.
Leading Seaman (LS) Derek Parsons, aged 45, spent much of 2012 mobilised with 15 Psychological Operations Group (15 POG) based at Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. In his civilian life Derek works for Anglian Home Improvements as a Field Installations Manager and is a keen ballroom dance teacher.
LS Parsons said: “Wearing my uniform to work is a very public way of showing that when I’m not doing my civilian job I do my bit for queen and country and my employer supports this.
“My Reserve Service has brought significant business benefits to my employer as my Naval training and operational experience have developed my leadership and management skills, my self-discipline and my ability to analyse problems and develop solutions.”
Able Seaman Caroline Holland wearing her Naval uniform to work Caroline Holland works in the ICT team at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) Queens Medical Centre in the city. She joined HMS Sherwood as a Reservist in 2010 as she wanted to make the most of her spare time by challenging herself to learn new skills.
Caroline said: “The training I receive as a Reservist really helps me in my civilian life and vice-versa. NUH have been incredibly supportive of my naval role and even give me time off to complete the necessary military training exercises. There are many benefits for employers to employ Reservists and the training I have received as a Reservist has increased my personal confidence, leadership abilities and my ability to work under pressure in challenging environments. I decided to take part in Uniform to Work Day this year because I am extremely proud to be part of the Royal Navy and of HMS Sherwood ship’s company and would like to promote the world of opportunities and benefits available to anyone willing to undertake the challenge of becoming a Reservist.”
