ABOUT RECRUIT FOR SPOUSES

We Value: Authenticity, Community, Legacy and Grit

Who We Are

Recruit for Spouses is an independent and award winning social enterprise dedicated to supporting, championing and finding gainful employment for an untapped talent pool of spouses and partners to members of our Armed Forces.

We work to overcome outdated perceptions about mobility and suitability and provide the tools for spouses to return to the workplace and excel in their chosen path.

We provide unparalleled understanding and support of the employment situation of military spouses and provide a supportive community for spouses to get back into the workplace.

Our Journey

2009

Early 2009

A New Chapter Begins

Heledd marries an Army Officer and gives up a job she loves as a horse racing office manager due to relocation with his military service.

July 2009

Discovering Strength in Community

As a stay at home Mum with her newborn son in a remote military base, Heledd experiences real isolation but finds support within the local spouse community, realising its strength.

December 2009

Recognizing Employment Challenges

Following another relocation, she recognises that employment challenges are widespread across military bases.

January 2010

Early Research & Realizations

Begins researching available support for military spouses and discovers that they need Commanding Officer permission to work from home in military quarters.

2010

Early 2010

The Entrepreneurial Start

Borrows £100 to launch on the angel network, securing first investor Palmer Winstanley, who is currently serving with the Rifles.

2011

June 2011

The Birth of Recruit for Spouses

Registers Recruit for Spouses (RFS) on Companies House as a social enterprise, initially as a job board.

July 2011

Advocacy and Mentorship

Collects signatures from across the UK (by post) to highlight the employment issues faced by military spouses. Receives mentorship from Heropreneurs and launches the Military Spouse Business and Employment Charter Mark to support military spouses in finding employment.

2012

September 2012

A National Platform for Change

Launches the Business and Employment Charter at the House of Commons and presents the petitions to No 10. Appears on Radio 4's Eddie Mair Show, resulting in over 3,000 website hits in 10 minutes, indicating high demand and support from military spouses.

October 2012

National Recognition

Wins the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award under David Cameron, who describes Heledd as inspirational. This recognition leads to significant media coverage and meetings with senior government officials.

december 2013

First Success Story

Successfully places the first military spouse, Emma Cheedy, in a job and receives £50 for the effort. I was delighted with that!

2013

december 2013

Validation and Support from Deloitte

Gains a place on Deloitte’s Social Pioneer Programme for 2 years, providing significant support and validation.

2014

december 2013

Advocacy Gains Momentum

Continues extensive lobbying and advocacy work, receives LIBOR funding in May 2016 to support RFS.

2015-2016

december 2013

Government and Corporate Partnerships

Meets with Defence Minister Gavin Williamson, who commissions the "Living in Our Shoes" report. Begins partnerships with BAE and AMS, and creates the RFS Career Academy CiC.

2017

december 2013

Innovating for Flexibility

Develops the Liquid Workforce model to provide flexible job opportunities for military
spouses.

2018

december 2013

Growth and Refinement

Continuous growth and refinement of RFS services.

2019

december 2013

Overcoming Pandemic Challenges

Faces challenges due to COVID-19, losing much of the Liquid Workforce and reducing staff to two members. In October, signs a contract with Virgin. By June 2021, AMS Liquid Workforce demand increases by 600%, necessitating team expansion.

2020

december 2013

Strengthening the Workforce

AMS Liquid Workforce continues to grow. Recruit for Spouses strengthens its team and services, adapting to the evolving needs of military spouses and employers. The achievements of RFS highlight the resilience and determination of military spouses and the importance of ongoing support for this community. Additionally, the Coaching and Mentoring Programme saw significant expansion, doubling in size.

2021

Growing the Virgin Red Genies

december 2013

2022

december 2013

Women into Leadership Program Launch

Partnered with the Office of Veterans Affairs to develop the Women into Leadership Programme, empowering women within the veteran and military spouse community to step into leadership roles with confidence and impact.

2023

december 2013

Expanding Opportunities with New Partnerships

Partnership with Study Academy and the Open University to grow the offering to spouses.

2024

Awards

Women in Defence winner, Heledd is a Fellowship of the RSA and is one of the UK’s Timewise top power 50 in bringing forward flexible working for military spouses. She has been named as one of the top 100 Women in Social Enterprise by NatWest Wise and is a member of the Society of Leadership Fellows.

Our Team

The team boasts a wealth of experience, with a combined board tenure exceeding 50 years in recruitment governance and accountability. What truly sets this group apart, however, is their deep personal connection to the military community.

Every member of the team has lived the unique and often challenging life of a military spouse, giving them firsthand insight into the complexities and sacrifices involved. This shared experience keeps the military spouse at the heart of everything they do, informing their decisions, shaping their policies, and driving their commitment to support and empower fellow military families. Their personal understanding of the lifestyle ensures that every initiative and program is designed with genuine empathy and practical knowledge, making a real difference in the lives of those they serve.

MEET BOARD OF DIRECTORS