Professor Matt Kiernan, Director of The Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research at Northumbria University has been shortlisted for
‘Inspiration of the Year’ in the British Forces in Business Awards 2025.
The
awards, now in its eighth year, are designed to celebrate the talented veterans
in business who have transitioned form military service to high-value civilian
careers.
Since
its inception in 2018, the Awards have recognised over 2,000 veterans and
reservists, drawing in thousands of business leaders to flagship ceremonies in
London, Glasgow and Washington D.C. The events have become a cornerstone in the
veteran employment landscape and a catalyst for improving the narrative around
military-to-civilian transition.
Professor
Kiernan who served in the Royal Navy as the Head of Mental Health Nursing, a
Specialist Nurse Advisor for Mental Health and the Defence Specialist Nurse
Advisor (Mental Health) before taking up his appointment as a Senior Research
Fellow at the Academic Department for Defence Nursing has focused his work on
care delivery and the psychological effects of basic training on individuals.
He is
now the Director of The Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families
Research at Northumbria University and leads on a range of research projects
focusing on veterans and military families.
Speaking
on his nomination, Professor Kiernan said: “It’s an absolute honour to be
shortlisted in the British Forces in Business Awards. These awards recognise
some really talented individuals who have made a huge contribution to driving
forward our veterans’ futures so to be recognised alongside them is an
incredible feeling.
“The
Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research works extremely hard to
meet the needs of our veterans and their families by driving collaboration
between research and practice and our achievements are testament to all of
those who work so hard to drive our work forward.”
Speaking
on Professor Kiernan’s nomination, Professor Dianne Ford, Pro-Vice Chancellor
for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences said: “Matt’s leadership in
developing The Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research has
firmly placed Northumbria at the heart of impactful research making a real
difference to veterans and their families. This nomination is well-deserved
recognition of both Matt’s outstanding contribution and the high regard in
which he’s held across the military veterans’ research and support community.”
The unveiling
of this year’s finalists follows another record-breaking round of nominations,
reflecting growing recognition of the veteran talent pool as a key driver of
innovation, leadership and resilience. The vast breadth of organisations
represented on the shortlist demonstrates the Armed Force community’s
exceptional contributions across the economy.
The winners
will be revealed at the world’s largest celebration of veterans in second
careers, the British Forces in Business Awards gala ceremony, on 26 June 2025
at the Grosvenor House London, Park Lane.
Air Marshal Steve Shell (Retd), CEO of SSAFA, official charity partner
of the Awards, said:“With commemorations
recently to mark VE Day 80, we’ve seen the high regard the military community
continues – rightly – to be held in. This esteem extends to celebrating
achievement once people return to civilian life and for those in the Reserves,
and there are few better examples of this than the Forces in Business Awards,
which highlight the absolute best that the partnership of Armed Forces
community and business offer.
“Those
nominated for the Awards have made a successful transition from the Armed
Forces and act as role models for others and therefore deserve our praise. SSAFA – 140 years old this year – is a
trusted source of support for when the Forces family needs help, and we’re
extremely proud to again be the official charity partner of these Awards.”
This
year’s celebration will be presented by ITV News anchor Nina Hossain, who will
host the awards ceremony and introduce a stellar lineup of live entertainment
and guest speakers including General Sir Peter Wall, former head of the British
Army.
Ben Rossi, founder of the
global Forces in Business Awards series, said: “The British Forces in
Business Awards have become a beacon for exceptional talent, showing that
supporting the Armed Forces community is not just good ethics – it’s smart
business. The calibre of this year’s nominations has been nothing short of
extraordinary, and the stories behind them prove just how impactful veterans
can be in every corner of our economy.
“Supporting
the transition of service members into meaningful second careers isn’t a
charitable cause, a PR exercise or a CSR box-tick. It’s a proven strategy for
unlocking and accessing exceptional talent. This year’s finalists are not only
high achievers – they are powerful role models for others treading the same
daunting path that they once did.”
Find out
more about Professor Matt Kiernan’s research on Northumbria’s website.
Further information
About the Forces in
Business Awards
The Forces in Business Awards is the world’s largest business
celebration of the Armed Forces community. Taking place in London, Glasgow and
Washington DC, the awards provide a much-needed platform for showcasing the
veteran talent pool, increasing visibility of role models for service leavers
and recognising the employers that support current and former members of the
Armed Forces. The prestigious events promote the exceptional value that
military-gained skills and values add to all sectors of the economy.
http://forcesinbusiness.com
About The Northern Hub for Veterans and
Military Families Research at Northumbria University
The Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research is a
multi-disciplinary team that conducts translational research in the Armed
Forces Community covering health and social care, public health, psychology,
social policy, human geography and nursing. The team work to facilitate
collaboration across the armed forces sector and work with a variety of
organisations including government, local authorities, the NHS and third sector
to improve the lives of those they support. Find out more about the hub’s work
by visiting their web pages.
About SSAFA the Armed
Forces charity
SSAFA the Armed Forces charity supports the person behind the
uniform; any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they
need us. Every year, SSAFA helps more than 73,000 people from the Forces family
get on their feet; those currently serving, reserves, veterans and their
families. Support is there for people at any stage in their military career;
from the youngest recruit to the oldest veteran – no one’s service is ever
forgotten. We give hope, help and personal support for as long as it takes to
get that person’s life back to where they want it to be.
http://www.ssafa.org.uk
