KFM shortlisted as a finalist for the 2024 British Ex-Forces in Business Awards
London, UK — May 21, 2024 — KFM is proud to announce its recognition as a finalist in two categories at the 2024 British Ex-Forces in Business Awards: Advocate of the Year and Employer of the Year.
These nominations highlight KFM's steadfast commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, reflecting our initiatives such as the Armed Forces Covenant and the NHS Step into Health program. Since pledging to the Covenant in 2021, KFM has been awarded Bronze, Silver, and Gold in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for fostering equal career opportunities for service leavers, veterans, and their families.
KFM’s Armed Forces Champion and Head of Supply Chain & Logistics, Gavin Jones, has been shortlisted for the ‘Advocate of the Year’ Award.
Robin Marsden-Knight, Director of Business Services at KFM said: “Gavin has been instrumental in supporting not only ex-service personnel in making the transition into civilian employment, but also reservists in continuing to pursue a career in the Armed Forces alongside their career at KFM. We know and have seen that the expertise and skills that Defence People have developed throughout and during their military service, are ideal for a number of roles within KFM and we are proud to count them amongst our employees. Being shortlisted for this award is a fantastic achievement that recognises his incredible work and the milestones and achievements he has brought to fruition for KFM.”
KFM's nomination as ‘Employer of the Year’ underscores its comprehensive support system, including tailored recruitment practices and partnerships with NHS organisations. This approach ensures that veterans receive the necessary support to thrive in their post-service careers.
“We are deeply honoured to be acknowledged for our efforts in championing the Armed Forces community,” said Gavin Jones, Head of Supply Chain & Logistics and Armed Forces Champion at KFM. “Our initiatives, including bespoke work placements and partnerships with local Reserve units, exemplify our dedication to integrating veterans and reservists into meaningful careers.”
The British Ex-Forces in Business Awards is the world’s largest celebration of military veterans in business, recognising the exceptional value veterans bring to the workforce. Since 2018 the Awards have celebrated the post-military achievements of over 1,500 veterans and reservists at events which have been attended by thousands of employers across the UK and engaged with by millions more online. This year has seen another record-breaking number of nominations, resulting in a shortlist which displays the vast breadth of the Armed Force community’s influence across all corners of the economy.
“The Ex-Forces in Business Awards showcase the very best that the Armed Forces community and business, in partnership, has to offer. Some individuals find the transition from service life to civvy street challenging; those nominated for the Awards have made this transition admirably and must act as role models for others. I equally commend the forces friendly employers on the shortlist; you see the opportunities offered by reservists and veterans, a fact that is greatly appreciated. SSAFA is very proud once again to be the official charity partner of these Awards; we are there as a trusted source of support when people need help. Funds raised will enable us to ensure service personnel, veterans and military families will, in their time of need, Never Battle Alone.”
One of the highest attended award ceremonies in Europe, the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards have been dubbed ‘the Oscars of veteran employment’. This year’s event on 27 June will see 1,200 business and military leaders descend on the Grosvenor House London’s historic Great Room on Park Lane to honour and celebrate the winners.
“The incredible achievements documented through the 900-plus nominations we received for this year’s Awards are simply staggering. The fact they have been enabled by skills and values gained in the British Armed Forces should leave employers in no doubt of the value veterans offer. We are proud of the role these Awards play in showcasing and championing the veteran talent pool. The Ex-Forces in Business Awards evidence very clearly that supporting the transition of servicemen and women into meaningful second careers is not just the right thing to do, or a tick in a CSR box – it’s a tried and tested route to acquiring exceptional talent who will add enormous value to your business. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and thank you for serving as such tremendous role models for service leavers.”
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About KFM
KFM are a provider of healthcare support services, partnering with healthcare organisations enabling them to deliver world class patient care. KFM is owned by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust making KFM a public authority. With a turnover of around £180 million, all KFM’s profits and cost savings are reinvested in the NHS. KFM’s end-to-end managed services cover all areas and specialties including procuring and supplying all clinical supplies, medical equipment plus maintenance, training and technical support and outpatient pharmacy dispensing services
Recognised for their innovative and collaborative approach, KFM has won multiple awards highlighting its dedication to delivering first class healthcare support services. In March 2023, KFM received the 'Procurement Project of the Year' award for the second time and was highly commended for 'Most Effective Contribution to Patient Safety' at the HSJ Partnership Awards. Additionally, KFM was awarded the 'Best Consultancy Partnership with the NHS' award at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2021 as well as winning the 'Best Use of Technology in Acute Care' at the Building Better Healthcare Awards 2021.
With over 340 staff, KFM are committed to supporting their workforce and local community, which was highlighted in 2023 when KFM received a Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for its positive role in supporting the Armed Forces community.
For more information about KFM’s Armed Forces support initiatives, visit KFM Armed Forces Support.
For more information relating to KFM please contact Louise Davies via louise.davies75@nhs.net or 07985422846
About the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards
The Ex-Forces in Business Awards is the world’s largest celebration of military veterans in second careers. Taking place in London, Glasgow and Washington DC, the awards are dedicated to providing a much-needed platform for uncovering and showcasing the business achievements of ex-military, presenting them as role models to service leavers, and recognising the employers that support current and former members of the British Armed Forces. The prestigious events promote the huge value that military-gained skills and values add to the UK economy in their second careers.
http://exforcesinbusiness.co.uk
About the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards
SSAFA the Armed Forces charity supports the person behind the uniform; any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us. Every year, SSAFA helps more than 73,000 people from the Forces family get on their feet; those currently serving, reserves, veterans and their families. Support is there for people at any stage in their military career; from the youngest recruit to the oldest veteran – no one’s service is ever forgotten. We give hope, help and personal support for as long as it takes to get that person’s life back to where they want it to be.