IRM launches armed services community group

The IRM has launched the Armed Forces Community Group (AFC Group), which will form a network of like-minded individuals working in risk management and who have specifically been involved with any aspect of the armed forces. 

Mark Turner, CFIRM, IRM board member, veteran and founding member of the Group said: “Many of the skills learnt by service personnel naturally crossover into the world of risk management and we’re keen to ensure this expertise is recognised so that we can help support lifelong learning and career transition where possible. 

”We want to engage with and provide a community for those working in risk, including serving members, reservists or veterans along with those who support the cadet forces.  

”Additionally, we would welcome the involvement of close family members as we recognise the support that families provide to service personnel. We would like the group to be internationally focused, so we actively encourage membership from around the world”. 

The IOR (part of the IRM group) already has Approved Learning Provider status for the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) by the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS). This scheme promotes lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces.

The AFC SIG will hold its inaugural meeting under the chairmanship of Chris Blockley-Webb, IRMCert, in the first quarter of 2022.  

He said: “Serving personnel, veterans, civilian staff and those in the defence industry are resourceful, resilient and more often than not critical thinkers. These are crucial attributes for being a risk professional.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to harness those qualities and for the IRM to be at the forefront of guiding and educating today’s defence people into tomorrow’s risk management professionals. 

“I aim to quickly establish a business plan for approval by the IRM and to swiftly build the IRM Armed Forces Community, not only in the UK, but also globally.”