Travis Perkins plc Commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant: Maria’s story

Travis Perkins plc were the 1,500th organisation to sign the UK Armed Forces Covenant, a voluntary pledge which promises to treat those who serve or have served, and their families, fairly. As part of this initiative, we are continuously striving to uphold the key principles of our Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award pledges. 

Meet Maria Walding

We recently caught up with Maria, a Business Assurance Manager with Travis Perkins Managed Services and an active member of the Army Cadet Force. 

Tell us about your involvement in the Army Cadet Force

“It’s been a big part of my life as I have been a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) for over 20 years. During that time, I’ve learned alot of life skills and have gained qualifications in leadership and management, canoeing and more, plus the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. To see young cadets and volunteers progress through training and grow into confident, self-reliant, respectful adults is a reward you cannot get in many organisations. 

I am also a committee member representing Northamptonshire for the Army Benevolent Fund or ABF The Soldiers Charity. We fundraise and raise the profile of the charity that supports army veterans and their families. My brother is a veteran and has benefitted from the support the charity gives, so being able to work closely with this charity means I can play a small part in supporting others who need it.” 

How did you feel when the Group signed the UK Armed Forces Covenant?

“I was involved in drafting the submission and was thrilled to be present at its signing. I felt, and continue to feel proud to be part of a business that recognises the value of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadet force volunteers, and military families and that has been awarded Gold in the MOD's Employer Recognition Awards Scheme for its commitment to support individuals in building a lasting career outside of the military.

I now support Cadet Force Volunteers who work within our businesses and represent the Travis Perkins Group from an employer engagement perspective with the Cadet Forces. Also, having followed it for a number of years, I have recently officially joined the Groups Ex-forces network.”

We are committed to building an internal network group for ex-forces and reservist colleagues, supporting them through training, and celebrating their success both internally and externally.

Learn more about our commitments to the Armed Forces Covenant. 

Why and what has kept you working for the Group?

“The varied workload, friends made, business reputation and opportunities afforded. 

I joined the Group as an IT Administrator in 2005 having previously worked for a variety of retailers. Since then I have developed and progressed in my career holding roles such as Bid Co-ordinator, Bid Writer, Compliance Manager and Process Improvement Manager across different teams and businesses within the Group.”

The development of our people is a key priority for us and we pride ourselves on the wide range of learning and development opportunities that we offer including over 40+ apprenticeship programmes and a range of workplace and training opportunities. So, as we grow as a business, so will you. 

What does your role involve on a day-to-day basis?

“I currently work for Travis Perkins Managed Services as a Business Assurance Manager, where I support the programme management of new contracts with Social Housing Providers and Contractors. I lead a small team that looks after business administration, data development and process improvements. No two days are the same, there is always something new to get involved with and it’s really rewarding to both support and watch my team grow and develop.”

Working at the Group, you’ll have the opportunity to work with great people from different communities, cultures and backgrounds. We want everyone to be at their best and it’s our ambition that everyone within our Group feels confident to be their authentic selves and that they belong.

Passionate about making a difference

Maria is a shining example of how our colleagues own and live our values - we care, we give our best to be the best, and we’re better together - both inside and outside of work. 

“I went on a Mental Health First Aider course provided by Travis Perkins as I understand how important it is for colleagues to have someone to talk to, and to demonstrate that there is someone who “cares” about them and how they feel. 

This also supports the “we’re better together” value, in that no one is on their own in this company. There is always someone to support, guide, coach and mentor. I have learnt a lot of these skills during my time in the Army Cadet Force and it has helped me support my team and other colleagues.”

Join us in our journey to create an inclusive and supportive environment

Be part of a truly inclusive business where you will have access to opportunities to unlock the career of your dreams. Whether it is in the form of supporting ex-armed forces personnel or actively participating in Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day and Remembrance Sunday, we want to make a difference. And you can too. 

Explore careers at the Travis Perkins Group.