Tonight, Thursday 1st October, was a very special night for the finalists of our second group of award categories, and these nominees were literally sitting on the edges of their seats.
This evening we proudly announced the winners of the Education, Training and Development; Healthcare and Rehabilitation; Sporting Excellence and the Patron’s Special Recognition Awards in the second Soldiering On Awards 2020 virtual ceremony.
The Zoom event was hosted by the much loved Coronation Street Star and SSAFA Ambassador, Antony Cotton.
The ceremony was also attended by the category finalists and sponsors; judges; General the Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL, President, Soldiering On Award; Rear Admiral Jim Macleod, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel Capability) and Defence Services Secretary; David Richmond CBE, Director of the Office for Veterans Affairs; and Lt Col Sue Wright.
As the winners found out, the news was simultaneously shared across social media channels.
The Earl Howe, Patron of the Soldiering On Awards said: “Despite the new virtual backdrop, the evening was a tremendous hour of celebration. All the finalists’ achievements cover an impressively wide range, from driving change in the Armed Forces environment and supporting our veterans’ community, to fields beyond Service life – be that sport, business, charity-work or public service.
“As the scope and prominence of these Awards has increased with each passing year, they add ever more value through the strong and positive messages that recognition gives to the vital and impressive work being done by our Nominees, Finalists and Winners in their communities.
“Huge congratulations to ALL our fantastic 2020 winners and finalists. Each and every one of you is an inspiration to us all.”
Our finalists were:
Army Foundation College, Harrogate – training over 1000 teenagers for military service each year, inspiring, innovating and pushing the boundaries of soldier development.
LifeWorks – offering advice, information and career guidance to both Veterans and the spouses of serving personnel.
Mission Motorsport – The ‘Mission Automotive’ programme matches service leavers to jobs, within the motor industry, supporting the transition from military to civilian life.
You can read more about these finalists here.
We are delighted to announce that the Winner is…
The Army Foundation College, Harrogate
The Army Foundation College transforms the lives of young men and women seeking military service, training over 1000 teenagers for military service each year. It delivers the world’s most comprehensive 12-month programme of military training, education, leadership, sports and adventurous training.
This award recognises excellence in the provision of vocational education, training or skills in support of preparatory, ongoing or transitional development for members of the wider Armed Forces community.
Lt Colonel Ren Kapur MBE, CEO of X-Forces Enterprise and Co-Chair of the Soldiering On Awards said: “The selfless dedication of our winners is both humbling and inspirational. It is so special to share these moments of celebration, not just with the winners but with all of the finalists.
“We couldn’t do this without the continued support of our sponsors, who have stood by us, and our finalists through challenging and uncertain times. Our growing community is stronger than ever.”
A word from our Sponsor…
“Capita is delighted to support the #SoldierOnAwards, which recognise the incredible achievements of those who have served our country and the diverse people and teams that collaborate to support our Armed Forces community. We’re especially thrilled to sponsor the Education, Training and Development award, which celebrates the outstanding Armed Forces individuals providing support for career transition, vocational education and skills development. We enable the education, training and development thousands of military personnel and civilians across the UK, and we couldn’t be more inspired or impressed by our finalists.”
