Case Study

When Health and Safety Manager, Andy, isn’t busy overseeing the wellbeing of his Ingeus colleagues, you’ll most likely find him out on his prized Triumph Rocket 3 motorbike. For while he sees his hobby as a great opportunity to explore the great outdoors and fundraise for charity, veteran Andy also appreciates the mental health benefits and supportive friendships that come from being a proud Royal British Legion Rider.  

 

Andy and his fellow bikers combine their love of motorcycling with promoting and fundraising for the Royal British Legion, which supports serving and past members of the British Armed Forces. Characterised by their leather waistcoats with distinctive riders’ badge and armed forces crowns, this Remembrance Day they will be out in force at Andy’s hometown memorial parade in Burton on Trent. 

 

“For veterans, every day is Remembrance Day,” says Andy. “I believe we should recognise and take pride in everyone who has served their country – those still in uniform, those we’ve lost, and those carrying the memories and challenges of their commissions. I spend most of my summer out fundraising at charity fetes and ride outs – the bikes are always the stars of the show.” 

 

Now 60, Andy was 17 when he joined the Royal Navy, where he spent seven years as a radio operator. He saw active duty in the Republic of Lebanon and the Persian Gulf, experiences that marred his mental health for decades later. Flashbacks began ‘out of nowhere’ two years ago says Andy , resulting in a PTSD diagnosis and ‘hard but massively helpful’ trauma therapy from a specialist veterans’ charity. 

 

He adds: “Being in the Navy taught me many valuable things that I still carry with me: communication skills, tolerance, directness, albeit I have to knock the distinctive military edges off at times! I’ve never hidden the dark mental health impact the military had on me, but I’ve not properly understood it before. It can hit without warning and getting outside, on my bike, has always been a great way to diffuse.” 

 

Andy’s post-Navy career saw him work in facilities and project management roles for 30 years before being made redundant and joining Ingeus in 2021. He is now responsible for creating and reviewing health and safety policy, carrying out risk assessments and training, reporting incidents and accidents, and promoting the vital role his function plays in Ingeus’ diverse contract makeup and large geographical footprint. He is also an integral member of the employee Armed Forces Network group. 

 

“Ingeus is a cool company to work for,” he adds. “The range of programmes we deliver and people we help really resonate with me. As a veteran myself and having been unemployed in the past when there wasn’t the type of help available that Ingeus provides, I read our success stories with genuine pride. The diversity of people within Ingeus is also incredible, people from all over the world and all different backgrounds.  

 

“Ingeus’ culture, its whole approach, is based on compassion. I know how lucky I am to have that level of understanding from my manager and the whole people team, and I hope I reflect it to others in return. 

 

“The military is very regimented, very black and white, with its own distinct language and sense of humour. It doesn’t always translate on Civvy Street but I’m very happy to work somewhere that respects, and protects, people’s life experiences.”