Ex-Forces Recruitment drive in Kent

Southern Water attended an employee fair in Maidstone earlier this month as part of the company’s ex‑forces recruitment drive.

Following the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant last month, teams attended the Career Transition Partnership Maidstone Employee Fair to showcase the roles and support available for those transitioning from the Armed Forces.

Southern Water already employs more than 40 former members of the Armed Forces - one employee shares his story below.

Colin Leavers joined the army in 1986 as a tank crewman, before transferring to the Infantry. As a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer, he was stationed across Bosnia, Kosovo, Germany, Canada, Cyprus and saw action in the first Gulf War. He served a total of 17 years.

Colin is currently an Area Field Performance Manager in Ashford, Kent and has worked at Southern Water for 12 years.

Colin said: “I struggled with the transition from military life as many ex-servicemen do, as I missed the belonging and camaraderie. However, I have found the belonging and camaraderie again within the operational side of Southern Water.

“There is a very strong belief in teamwork and pride in what we achieve on a daily basis. There is that sense of humour in ops that is very much like my military life, back in the day.”

Southern Water signed the Armed Forces Covenant in March 2026 which now recognises the company as a Veteran Aware workplace. This is a public and lasting commitment to support those who have served in the armed forces, and their families. 

Grant Kane, ex-forces veteran and Military Veterans Employee Resource Group Founder said: “Our pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant signifies our commitment not only to our community but also to inclusion - two areas which are of vital importance to Southern Water.

“The covenant will bring significant benefits to our organisation through its access to a highly skilled talent pool, our ability to form richer partnerships and supports our social value commitments.”

The partnership demonstrates our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families and aligns with our organisational values and strategic objectives.