A FORMER army officer from Dumfries has been shortlisted for his work in helping military veterans find second careers on leaving the army.
Ex-Captain John Bassett, of the Intelligence Corps, was initially given a taste of life in a civilian job under a mentoring scheme run by the cyber security and data risk management company, Risk Evolves.
And he’s now running the scheme and has set up a Look at Life on LinkedIn providing advice and encouragement to ex-service personnel about to make the leap into civvy street.
He also supports the Royal British Legion in his home town of Dumfries and he’s currently in the process of applying to be a Cadet Force adult volunteer.
Now the dad-of-three, whose wife is also a former military veteran, has been shortlisted in the Scottish edition of the Ex-Forces in Business Awards, the world’s largest celebration of veterans in second careers.
John, who was in the army for 23 years, said: “I joined the army when I was 18. My dad had been in the army too. It was all I had ever known. When it came to the point when I was leaving it was a bit scary. I didn’t know what I was getting into and if it would work out.
“I had memories of the struggles my father had to find work when he left and that worried me. Fortunately, I went on the mentor scheme at Risk Evolves for a week’s experience and was offered a full-time job. “Now I run the scheme and it is my turn to put an arm around veterans leaving the army and offer them support, advice and encourage them to see their potential. That’s where I see my role now.”
Risk Evolves is based in Leamington and director Helen Barge said: “John is incredibly modest about his support for his fellow service leavers. He goes above and beyond in giving advice and help whenever he can and we’re really proud of him.
“He owns the Force’s Mentor Scheme for our business now and not only that but uses his own time to be there for service personnel leaving or thinking of leaving the army.
“He also does a lot of work in his hometown in Dumfries. Win or lose, his work deserves to be recognised.”
AWARD NOD . . . former Regimental Sergeant Major John Bassett, is now a senior consultant with Risk Evolves
