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Pioneering charity unveils bold plans to employ veterans in the countryside.

A pioneering armed forces charity has announced that it will launch a dedicated service to connect veterans with employment opportunities in the British countryside, in what is being described as a ‘game changing’ opportunity for former service personnel.

HighGround, which was founded in 2013 to provide horticultural therapy at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall, is expanding its services to help service leavers and veterans find gainful employment in land-based sectors, such as agriculture, outdoor education and country sports.

The charity has appointed Tim Lever – who has just completed 30 years’ service in the Royal Marines – as its first rural employment manager, in what is being seen as a momentous expansion of HighGround’s ability to support the armed forces community.

In his new role, Tim will oversee the delivery of ‘rural weeks’ which will provide service leavers and veterans with a unique opportunity to learn more about land-based sectors, as well as connecting them with potential employers.

Tim will also work with rural businesses to highlight the numerous benefits of employing former service personnel, while also working to ensure that re-settlement staff within the armed forces are fully appraised of the opportunities available for service leavers in the countryside.

HighGround has already supported some 300 veterans and service leavers since the first ‘rural week’ was piloted, and Tim’s appointment will enable future ‘rural weeks’ to take place across two rural colleges – and in the virtual environment – on a regular basis.

Speaking at the start of Armed Forces Week, HighGround’s Founder and Executive Director, Anna Baker Cresswell, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be expanding our capacity to support veterans and service leavers.

“The British countryside is home to so many land-based sectors with exciting employment opportunities, many of which are ideally suited to the skills and experiences of former service personnel.

“I am so proud that HighGround is spearheading the campaign to connect our veterans and service leavers with these fantastic opportunities, and I look forward to welcoming Tim to our brilliant team in due course.”

Colonel Simon Chapman, who is Commandant of the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone and has served with Tim several times, said: “Tim will be an outstanding asset to HighGround, and the new service he will oversee offers genuine game-changing opportunities for service leavers and veterans.

“Connecting former service personnel to the meaningful employment opportunities in the countryside is a win-win. Service leavers will undoubtedly find it easier to transition to the varied working environment associated with land-based employment, while their adaptability and diverse skillsets will make them outstanding additions to the rural workforce.

“Tim is a fantastic choice to lead HighGround’s efforts in this regard, and I wish him all the best in his new role.”