Institute of Risk Management launches Armed Forces Community Group

Part of the IRM Group, the Institute of Operational Risk (IOR) already has Approved Learning Provider status for the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme through the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service. This scheme promotes life-long learning among members of the Armed Forces and provides financial support towards the IOR’s Certificate in Operational Risk Management.

Mark Turner CFIRM, IRM Board member, veteran and founding member of the Armed Forces Community Group, said: “Many of the skills learned by Armed Forces personnel naturally transfer into the world of risk management. We’re keen to ensure this expertise is recognised so that we can help support life-long learning and career transition where possible.”

Turner continued: “We want to provide a community for those working in risk, including serving members, reservists or veterans, along with those who support the cadet forces. Additionally, we would welcome the involvement of close family members as we recognise the support that families provide to Armed Forces personnel. We would like the Armed Forces Community Group to be internationally focused. On that basis, we are actively encouraging membership from around the world.”

Professional development

A core purpose of the Armed Forces Community Group is to support its members in their professional development, provide a social dimension and influence the wider Armed Forces community.

The Armed Forces Community Special Interest Group will hold its inaugural meeting, to be chaired by Chris Blockley-Webb IRMCert, in the first quarter of 2022.  

Blockley-Webb informed Security Matters: “I’m humbled and honoured. It’s a privilege to be the inaugural chair of the IRM’s new Armed Forces Community Group. Serving personnel, veterans, civilian staff and those in the defence industry are resourceful, resilient and, more often than not, critical thinkers. These are crucial attributes for being a risk professional. I think it’s a great opportunity to harness those qualities and for the IRM as an organisation to be at the forefront of educating and guiding today’s defence sector cohort to become tomorrow’s risk management professionals.”

In addition, Blockley-Webb explained: “I aim to quickly establish a business plan for approval by the IRM and then to swiftly build the IRM’s Armed Forces Community Group, not only here in the UK, but also globally.”

*Further information on the IRM’s new Armed Forces Community Group is available online at: https://www.theirm.org/join-our-community/special-interest-groups/armed-forces-community/