We’ve been recognised for our commitment to veterans after helping hundreds of ex-armed forces personnel back into employment and raising £25K for a PTSD charity – a cause close to the managing director’s heart.

RMS has received a bronze award from the government’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which recognises UK employers that support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces.

We’ve also raised £25K for PTSD Resolution – a charity which focuses on tending to the psychological difficulties suffered by veterans.

It is a cause close to managing director Carole Martin’s heart, after her son Owen Wason, a Royal Marine Commando for eight years, suffered with PTSD following two tours of Afghanistan and lost the will to carry on. He passed away in October 2016 at the age of 26.

Ms Martin said: “There are no words that can explain what happens to you as a mum when you lose a son. It is life-changing for all the family. Owen is the inspiration behind our fundraising and support for veterans.”

As part of the company’s pledge to veterans, Ms Martin signed the Armed Forces Covenant which is a promise from the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. Signing the covenant is a written and publicised promise of support.

The finance manager at RMS, Leon Butt, is a former soldier within the air defence regiments. He said: “The transition into civilian life is hard, there’s no doubt about it. Back in the early 90s I found it very difficult to find a job as support in the work search for military personnel was scarce. Thankfully, a lot has changed for the better over the years, and more companies recognise how veterans enrich businesses with the training and skills they develop while serving their country.

“Soldiers’ live, work and socialise with their colleagues 24/7 – it’s a family and more, so once you leave, a strong network of family and friends is crucial. Civilian life can become lonely very quickly and some veterans can spiral into depression. This is why employment plays a big part in helping with the adjustment to civilian life.”

Staff at RMS have raised awareness and generated vital funds for PTSD Resolution by taking on challenges such as the Coast to Coast and sponsored runs. The next event they’re involved in is a CrossFit heroes’ workout at CrossFit gym in Darlington on February 26.

Carole said: “We are thrilled to have raised such a large sum for the charity. The funds will help current and ex-military personnel get the treatment they need when coping with the traumas of war. We can’t bring Owen back, but we can raise money in his honour. If the funds help just one ex-soldier in need, then it has been worth it.”

RMS works with the Career Transition Partnership using the online vacancy database RightJob which gives service leavers access to live vacancies and the ability to apply for jobs direct, accelerating the process of bringing candidates, vacancies and employers together. Veterans and employers can log on to the portal at ctp.org.uk

For more information about employment opportunities or employing a veteran, please contact RMS veteran liaison Rob Colgrave on 01325 389333