CNC helps Armed Forces community explore policing careers
CNC is working with CTP and BFRS to help service leavers, veterans and their families explore careers in armed policing and specialist roles.
CNC engages with Armed Forces community
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is strengthening its engagement with the Armed Forces community through close collaboration with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS).
As part of this work, CNC representatives are attending regional recruitment events and hosting online webinars, giving service personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families the opportunity to learn more about a career as an Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO).
The events provide an overview of the role, entry requirements and recruitment process, while highlighting how skills and experience gained through military service can transfer to a career with the CNC.
Helping service leavers explore a CNC career
The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is the Ministry of Defence’s official resettlement service, supporting Armed Forces leavers as they transition into civilian employment, education or retirement.
In September, the CNC and CTP co-hosted a webinar attended by around 30 members of the Armed Forces community.
Presented by serving CNC AFOs PC Chris Bottomley and PC Mark O’Neill, the session explored transferable skills, relocation and their experiences of integrating into local communities.
Attendees also heard about the Counter Terrorism Authorised Firearms Officer (CT-AFO) role, the CNC’s mission and Code of Ethics, the recruitment process and the range of specialist opportunities available within the Constabulary.
Joanne Lucas, CTP’s Regional Account Manager, said: “Chris and Mark were entertaining and informative, and the content was well paced and engaging, with a great balance of speech and video.
“There were attendees from several cohorts of the military community, including veterans, service leavers and families, which was excellent for a first event, and interaction during the Q&A session was good.”
Following the webinar, the CNC and CTP are exploring further opportunities to reach more members of the Armed Forces community through interactive events.
Joanne added: “These events usually gain momentum through client word of mouth and a regular programme would be welcome.”
Building connections with the Armed Forces community
British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) was established in 2009 and acts as a bridge between the Armed Forces community and employers and training providers, helping service leavers, veterans and their families access support, guidance and opportunities as they transition from military service.
The CNC regularly exhibits at BFRS Careers Fairs and most recently attended the September event in Tidworth.
These events allow CNC representatives to speak face to face with members of the Armed Forces community, showcase policing kit and equipment, and answer questions based on individual circumstances.
The conversations also allow attendees to explore what life after military service could look like, including family considerations, relocation and how their skills and experience could transfer into a career with the CNC.
James Graham, General Manager at BFRS, said: “Service leavers and veterans possess experience, skills and discipline that closely align with the operational requirements of the CNC. Leadership, integrity, disciplined decision making, situational awareness, resilience, and the ability to operate effectively in high pressure and security sensitive environments are core strengths developed through military service.
“Through collaboration with the CNC, BFRS is committed to strengthening pathways from military service into armed policing and wider specialist roles that safeguard the UK’s civil nuclear sites.
“For transitioning personnel, this offers not just employment, but the opportunity to continue serving in a highly professional, disciplined and nationally critical policing role.”
Continuing support for the Armed Forces community
The CNC holds a Silver Award in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) and is working towards achieving Gold.
The ERS recognises employers that demonstrate a commitment to the Armed Forces community. The CNC is proud to support serving personnel, veterans and their families.
More information about life in the CNC after military service is available on the CNC Jobs website.
The CNC is exhibiting at the BFRS recruitment event in Catterick on 26 November, with registration open now.