Friday 26th June 2026
Armed Forces Week has been an opportunity for us to recognise the dedication of those who serve and the wider community that supports them.
We’re proud to have many veterans, reservists, cadet force volunteers and military family members working across our company. As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, we are committed to supporting the armed forces community in everything we do.
Through our work supporting more than 49,000 service family homes across the UK on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), we play an important role in helping create stable, supportive communities.
Supporting service families
As a Housing Officer, Paula brings deep professional expertise but also a personal connection to the military community at RAF Cranwell.
“I’ve worked in housing since 1999, including social housing, but supporting service families is something special,” she says.
Her visible, hands-on approach has made her a trusted and familiar presence for residents – with returning families often greeting her with: “I’m so glad it’s you.”
Celebrating cadets and volunteers
One of the 25,000 adult volunteers across the country is our Housing Officer Gerald Lawton – or Captain Lawton to his Army Cadets.
He recently spent a week at Otterburn Training Camp alongside 700 cadets and 147 instructors.
Acting as Commander of the National Corps of Drums, he supported cadets as they developed their skills, confidence and teamwork, culminating in a Beating the Retreat performance.
Two roles, one purpose
Regional Manager Kayleigh Pennington balances leading services for 16,500 homes with her role as an RAF Reservist.
As she explains: “Whether I’m in my corporate dress or in uniform, the focus is the same – supporting people. My civilian role is about creating stability and support for military communities. My reservist role challenges me in different ways; teamwork, adaptability and operational readiness.”
Kayleigh is also featured in the RAF’s Reserves Day film, showcasing the role of reservists across the UK.
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZuKMQxK9ws8