First Bus joins Heroes Network to help ex-Forces colleagues build new careers

First Bus has joined Heroes Network, a new initiative from Help for Heroes charity that supports Armed Forces veterans and families, to strengthen access to specialist advice for ex-military colleagues building new careers with the bus operator.

The Heroes Network will transform what First Bus is currently able to do in its wellbeing programme by giving 24-hour access to a portal with dedicated guidance and resources.

Heroes Network will also support First Bus in developing an internal ‘community group’ for its Armed Forces colleagues. The group will give former military personnel and their families a space to share experiences, build peer networks and strengthen their sense of belonging across the organisation.

Angela Renfrew, Director of Talent Acquisition and Early Careers at First Bus, said: “We're incredibly proud to announce our new membership with Heroes Network. This will help strengthen the support that we provide to people from the Armed Forces community and their families as they build their careers in civilian life.

“Those who have served the country bring a wealth of skills, experience and perspective to the workplace, but we also recognise that moving into the civilian world can be a significant transition.”

The bus operator announced the new membership with colleagues at its York depot, which include General Manager Steve Moyle and four engineers.

Steve admits that fear of failure was one of the biggest challenges after 30 years in the Army. “Leaving the Forces meant stepping away from the life and structure I’d known for three decades and working out where I fitted in next,” he said.

Two years into his career with First Bus, Steve believes “it’s the closest working environment to life in the military that I’ve experienced.” He added: “I knew I had valuable skills to offer but had to trust that I could apply them somewhere new.”

First Bus is among the first businesses to join Heroes Network, alongside Next and other major veteran employers.

Heroes Network provides businesses and staff with access to expert-led webinars, practical guidance, training resources, self-help materials and specialist tools, all aimed at improving understanding and support for veterans, reservists and military families in the workplace.

"We're delighted to welcome First Bus to Heroes Network and to see them taking meaningful action to support their former Armed Forces employees,” said Nardia Bissmire, Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager at Help for Heroes. 

“It's fantastic to see organisations like First Bus recognising the value of supporting the veteran community and creating workplaces where Armed Forces employees feel valued, understood and empowered. We look forward to working together to make a lasting difference for their people."

First Bus believes the membership will also help in its appeal as an employer and career choice for veterans looking for a new challenge.

“We want people from the Armed Forces community not just to find opportunity with us, but to know there is a network around them that understands their experiences, supports them and helps them thrive,” added Angela Renfrew.

Picture captions:

First Bus + Help for Heroes 1 & 2: Angela Renfrew and Help for Heroes Community Fundraising Manager, Dean Williams fly the flag for the First Bus membership of Heroes Network.

First Bus + Help for Heroes 3 & 4: First Bus engineers Andy, Rob and Danny along with Steve Moyle give a cheer with Help for Heroes Community Fundraising Manager, Dean Williams (right) to announce the new membership.

First Bus + Help for Heroes 5: Angela Renfrew and Help for Heroes Community Fundraising Manager, Dean Williams fly the flag with (front left) First Bus engineers Andy and Rob and (right) Steve Moyle and engineer Danny to announce membership of Heroes Network.

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