Defence partners

This is an edited summary Talking Tips interview with Debbie Yates, Defence Force Liaison Officer, ACT, for the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA), and Career Consultant working with Defence Partners.

What is the role of a Defence Force Liaison Officer?

The role allows the CDAA to gain a better understanding of Defence Force Recruiting and of the opportunities available for their clients and students.

As a Liaison Officer I help provide better access to Defence Force Recruiting by arranging functions (like the upcoming Beating the Retreat at Duntroon, ACT) and professional development sessions.

Tell us about your work with Defence Partners

This work is part of Debbie’s business as a career consultant. She helps Defence Partners re-establish themselves in new posting localities and provides assistance under the Swap Select Program run by the Defence Community. This program offers training and support to help partners re-skill and re-enter the workforce.

Most of the partners are women, often with young children, who may have been out of the workforce for as little as six months or as much as ten years.

Are there issues these women have in common with women in general who are re-entering the workforce?

Yes, the common issues are:

• Lack of confidence arising from concerns that employers won’t see value in the skills they offer
• Concern about finding flexible working arrangements.

What are some tips to help women returning to work?

While this will depend on individual circumstances, some general suggestions are:

• Look for a good employer, one who will support returning to work. This may mean starting later and finishing later, or working from home. It doesn’t only mean part time work.
• Learn how to ask for flexible working arrangements.
• Re-skill. Update computer skills. Under the Swap Select program Defence Partners have access to $2500.00 for training. This can be used to update computer skills, or to gain new skills, such as skills needed to start a business.
• Do temp, contract or volunteer work to build up skills and experience.

What do managers and selection panels need to do when considering Defence Partners?

• They need to fully assess the abilities of a person, and ask questions, rather than just assuming that their skills will have dropped off. They should find out what people have been doing while away from work rather than relying on what they did in their last paid job.
• Encourage people to return to work.
• Offer flexibility. Some people may perceive part timers as ‘slackers’ however the reality is a part timer would never make a doctor’s appointment during work hours. Ask the applicant how they see arrangements working. Let them put forward ideas on how to make it work rather than assuming it won’t work.

Debbie Yates can be contacted on 0412 685 720 or email .

Dr Ann Villiers, learning guide, professional speaker and author, is Australia's only Mental Nutritionist® specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com to learn more about Mental Nutrition. Visit www.selectioncriteria.com.au for free resources unlocking the mysteries of public service jobs.