Ray Lock, Chief Executive of FiMT says: “Last Friday (24th April) we should have been dressed up in our finest outfits for the announcement of the winners of the 2020 Soldiering On Awards. Thanks to the Covid-19 crisis, the ceremony has had to be rescheduled for 2nd October, when it will bring together people from across the Armed Forces community to salute the success of those working tirelessly in this sector. I’m certainly looking forward to raising a glass to everyone ‘on the other side’. In the meantime, we applaud and celebrate the achievements of each and every finalist.

In 2014, with the Soldiering On Awards team, we created the ‘Working Together’ category, and we’ve been the primary sponsor ever since. Our award recognises the commitment and innovative approach to collaboration by an individual, team or organization within the Armed Forces community.

Once again, our finalists have shown an enduring commitment to collaboration. Charnwood, Melton and Rushcliffe Borough Councils Partnership; Forces Connect South East; and Sussex, Kent & Medway Armed Forces Network Team are great examples of what can be achieved when you work together. It is an overused cliché, but it really is a privilege to be able to recognise the difference these organizations have made to the successful transition of ex-Service personnel in areas such as health, housing and employment.

At FiMT a collaborative approach is at the heart of what we do, and collaboration is one of the ways in which we’re going to fight our way through the current situation. We work all the time with policy makers, private and public sector organizations, academics and researchers, as well as other charities, to identify and share best practice for the benefit of the whole Armed Forces community. Seeing this approach put into front-line action, and recognising and rewarding those who do so, will inspire others to follow suit.

The Soldiering On Awards is an event that we are very proud to be a part of. Every year the Awards recognise many exceptional individuals and organizations, and give us all pause to look back on their extraordinary achievements.

Although the awards event didn’t take place on Friday, all of us at FiMT are looking forward to the 2nd October. Until then, we wish every one of the finalists the best of luck, and say thank you for your continued hard work.”