In this episode we present the audio from ADM's Women In Defence Network and Women in Defence UK webinar held on the 24th of June. The panelists were Kelly Hopkins, Director of Defence at Hays, Natalie Desty, the founder and director of STEM Returners, Hayley Boswell, founder of Defence Kids, and Helen Callis, director of Recruit for Spouses. The moderator was Kathryn Essex, Head of Defence and Security Industry or Australia and New Zealand at the British High Commission in Canberra.
The episode commences with an overview of the issue from Kylie Leonard, ADM's Associate Publisher, who also tells us about the Women in Defence Networks coming up during the year. Next up, Kathryn Essex introduces the panelists and opens the session with the first topic, which was to identify one structural change defence organisations could make to help retain spouses and families over the long term. This leads to the next topic which was how organisations can make use of carers returning to the workforce rather than treating them as a risk.
Next up we review the work of Defence Kids and the importance of supporting children through their parent's deployments and relocations. This leads to a discussion of how best to position military spouses as part of the future talent pipeline for AUKUS.
We wrap up with a series of questions from the audience and also reflecting on each country's unique approach can benefit others through shared knowledge and coordinated efforts.
Links:
ADM Women in Defence Network< br/> https://admwomenindefencenetwork.com.au/
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