“My role is to deliver what Members want”

Having worked at the RAF Benevolent Fund for almost a decade, Ian Johnson is bringing a wealth of military charity experience to his new role at Blesma. 

The Association’s new Director Independence and Wellbeing Ian Johnson was given the perfect introduction to Blesma when Members’ Weekend took place within the first weeks of him joining. Ian, who has extensive experience in the military charity sector, was able to see the camaraderie that underscores the Association’s ethos.

“I loved the positivity of the weekend and it was a fantastic privilege to meet Members and their partners,” he said. “There was a real celebratory atmosphere, with Members connecting, enjoying the weekend and building bonds that will last into the future. It was a great opener for me, and I’m now travelling around the country meeting staff and Members to learn more about what makes Blesma tick. The great thing about the Association is that it is Member-led, and I see my role as helping deliver what the Members want.”

REWARDING WORK

Ian, 40, started his working life in IT but soon realised he wanted a profession that gave back to communities. That led him to the charity sector where he forged a career at an engineering benevolent fund. He then spent almost a decade at the RAF Benevolent Fund, where he rose to the pivotal role of Head of Individual Grants and Advice prior to joining Blesma.

“Working for a military charity is incredibly rewarding because you work with people who have given a lot for their country, and to be able to do something for them and make a difference to someone’s life is satisfying,” said Ian, who is married and has sons aged eight and nine. “No matter how challenging a day I have, the opportunity to help make a difference is a huge driving force."

“Blesma has an excellent reputation in the sector, and when the post came up it sounded like a combination of everything I had been doing, such as running welfare teams. There’s a lot of talk in the sector about using lived experience models, but Blesma has been driven by those for 90 years. It has always been Member-led and I regard my role as a facilitator in that process with a team that is dedicated to supporting Members.”

Blesma has announced a new five-year strategy which will focus on getting the best for Members and keeping the Association healthy in the face of continuing financial pressures. “The strategy will enable us to thrive, and there will be real growth in activities and wellbeing support, which will be my focus,” added Ian. “It is always difficult to marry up what everyone wants and then work out how to deliver that, but Blesma will continue to do what it does best; providing individual support through BSOs, Outreach Officers and activities.

“I will be using my background and connections across the military sector and other occupational funds to support Members and provide advocacy across different aspects of their lives. I hope my experience will allow us to continue to punch above our weight in terms of funding.”

TARGETED SUPPORT

The impact of a new government in Westminster is still developing, with the Veterans’ Affairs post moving from the Cabinet to the Ministry of Defence, while new budgets are yet to be set. “We will be monitoring government policy but we are very involved through COBSEO (the Confederation of Service Charities) and are confident that Blesma has a strong voice for its Members if any changes are put forward,” added Ian.

“We have great connections across the military charity sector and into government, and we will be at the centre of any discussions around the welfare of our Members.” Ian, who is a scout leader in his spare time, is relishing his new role. “Blesma has an excellent reputation that has been hard-earned and I’ve already seen that it is well-deserved,” he said. “I’ve been amazed by the breadth of things happening inhouse, particularly the range of activities that the team manages to put on.

“It will be my focus to ensure that the support we offer is really targeted to what Members need, and that we are doing it with a balanced budget so we’re able to do it for the entire life of every Member.”

If you would like to get in contact with Ian you can email him on diw@blesma.org or call him on 07881 308794