Wealth manager St James’s Place has launched a new ‘Military Network’ to support current and ex-Armed Forces personnel, and their families, move into a career in financial services including as Financial Planners and support staff.

SJP says the move will those who are leaving, or have left the military, and their families ‘transition’ into a career in financial services. 

SJP signed up for the Armed Forces Covenant in October to support armed forces personnel and ensure they are not disadvantaged in society.

The support package includes:  

• Working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and associated charities to offer employment opportunities within SJP and re-training opportunities for ex-service people through the St James’s Place Academy
• Supporting the employment of service spouses and partners
• Supporting employees who choose to be members of the reserve forces
• Offering support to local cadet units and service charities
• Being a member of the City Veterans CIC, bringing together companies to share best practice on employing ex-service personnel and reservists
• Actively encourage and support SJP staff to volunteer their time with financial guidance initiatives including Forces MoneyPlan, a pro-bono initiative backed by the PFS offering free financial guidance to Armed Forces personnel and veterans

SJP says its Military Network already has more 100 ex-military personnel and reservists, cadet instructors and spouses working across SJP and since its creation in 2012, the SJP Academy has trained 28 veterans to become wealth advice professionals.

The company plans to hold insight days and events, as well as establishing a dedicated LinkedIn page for the armed forces.

Andy Mallows, an SJP director of operations, said: “We’re delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and proud to be launching our own Military Network to build on our support for the Armed Forces. The journey from the forces into the workplace can be quite daunting, so we’ve aimed to create a network that truly understands what these candidates are experiencing, first-hand.

“Whilst we’ve been supporting the Forces through our Academy programme for a long time, the collaborative approach by the Military Network will accelerate this even further. The response among our colleagues has been positive and we’re looking forward to building on this and seeing what we can achieve.”

Louise Worrall, Academy partner at SJP, said: “The Academy has been fundamental in my move to a second career. I approached the programme following the deterioration of my health resulting in me leaving my much-desired job as a Navigator in the Royal Navy.

“I was a little lost and, having had no previous experience, I didn’t know what to expect. Since the first encounter the Academy has supported and nurtured me on what has been a tricky journey due to my health. Their willingness to adapt my learning and facilitate ways for me to still achieve my goals around hospital visits and time off has been incredible. This support is only displayed further with the network being launched today.”