As we mark Armed Forces Week, we want to take a moment to recognise and celebrate the people within our organisation whose lives are shaped by service. From veterans who bring invaluable skills and experience to their roles, to reservists balancing civilian and military commitments, and spouses who provide unwavering support behind the scenes—each story reflects resilience, dedication and community. This week, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on these colleagues, sharing their experiences and highlighting the vital contribution they make, both in and out of uniform.
At KBS we are proud to demonstrate our commitment to supporting those who have served our country and be part of the Armed Forces Covenant. We believe that the skills and experience of veterans and reservists are an asset to our organisation, and we are committed to ensuring that they have the support they need to succeed in the workplace.
Commercial Manager Rachel Fennell’s husband Rob has been in the Air Force for 14 years working in Air Support Capability. At KBS, we understand that service impacts the whole family. Military spouses demonstrate incredible resilience, balancing careers, family life and the challenges that come with deployments, training commitments and frequent relocations.
Hear from Rachel, as she reflects on this and how it has continued to shape her as a person and impact her career.
What is the most challenging part of being a military spouse?
The most challenging aspect is deciding when to follow my partner on a posting and when to stay put. The frequent upheaval every 2.5-3 years with changing jobs, relocating and adjusting our family life can be incredibly disruptive. It is also difficult supporting our young daughters emotionally particularly when their daddy is away from home for extended periods of time attending things like conferences in his current role or studying in his previous role. Managing their feelings and maintaining stability for them during those times is a constant challenge.
How supported do you feel as a military spouse at KBS?
At KBS, I feel well supported. The organisation offers flexibility and trust, allowing me to prioritise my family when needed, whilst still ensuring that my work responsibilities are met. That balance is invaluable as a Military Spouse.
How do you feel your experiences as a military spouse help you in your role?
Being a Military Spouse gives me a real understanding of what sits behind the work we do. I’ve seen first hand how much morale matters, and how something as simple as a refurbishment or improvement to living or working spaces can genuinely life people. It’s not just about buildings or contracts; it is about the people using them every day. I’ve also experienced the system from the other side as a Civil Servant, so I understand how frustrating processes and red tape can feel for everyone involved. That perspective helps me approach my role with a bit more empathy and patience and a real drive to find solutions where I can.
Want to hear from more of our colleagues? Read more here
