We are delighted to announce that Louisa Clarke, managing director the North and Scotland in Churchill’s cleaning business, has been appointed to the Veterans Advisory Board.
The Veterans Advisory Board provides advice, insight and diversity of thought to the government on veterans’ issues such as employment, health and wellbeing, and the transition to civilian life. The first formal meeting was held in November 2020 and the Board is chaired by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP.
Louisa’s appointment is for 18 months and follows a comprehensive application and interview process.
Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan
One of Louisa’s main remits, along with her ten fellow board members, will be to provide counsel around the delivery of the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan.
The two-year plan was launched in January 2022 and key goals include improving support for veterans and their families, maximising veteran employability and improving their access to social housing.
Achievements so far include more than 100 NHS England Trusts gaining ‘Veteran Aware’ status, and investing £1m in funding for a new digital service for veterans to easily verify their veteran status.
Churchill support for veterans
Louisa has valuable experience supporting veterans as they transition to civilian life and has spearheaded a number of programmes at Churchill, most notably signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2019. Earlier this year Churchill was recognised with a Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Churchill has also partnered with JobOppo, an employment service set up by veterans, for veterans.
Louisa said: “The Veterans Advisory Board provides advice at the highest level of government and it’s an honour to be appointed. I believe I have a lot to offer considering that facilities management employs thousands of veterans. I’ll do my utmost to highlight and address issues that veterans face in FM and across the UK.”