BetterGov is a Public Sector specialist consultancy which supports government organisations to overcome digital, data, technology and transformation challenges. Founded in 2016 against the identified challenges Local Government faced when implementing critical Social Care case management systems, we have further developed our capabilities to provide a wide range of services that support Local and Central Government, Defence and Higher Education organisations.
Although we have historically engaged with veterans as key Associates, since the beginning of this year we have employed our first two full time veterans – Morgan (Mogsy) Long as our Defence Director and Steve Reilly as a Delivery Manager working across the Scottish sector of our business – and what a positive impact they have immediately had.
But why did they choose BetterGov?
Steve Reilly – Delivery Manager
After years of Service, finding an organisation that truly understands your mindset, values, your experience and that gives you the type of work you find meaningful can be a challenge. So why BetterGov?
Well, it’s unlikely that you joined and stayed in the Military simply for the paycheck, one of the core reasons many of us value service life is that it allows us to contribute to wider society in a meaningful way.
This is why BetterGov can be a natural fit upon leaving the Armed Forces, it shares that strong focus on providing societal benefit, this time through delivering transformational change to Government Services. It’s just a different theatre for us to operate in, one where the projects you work on will directly impact the lives of people across the country in their day-day lives. Providing that meaningful challenge that brings out the best in Service people.
Another thing that really appealed to me about BetterGov was the recognition of who you are as an individual, they respected and valued the background and the skills that Veterans can bring (more on this in a moment from Mogsy) but also recognised the individual interests and knowledge you had picked up along the way, discussing how I could add value to the team from the beginning and how I could grow with the company.
What is different is the structure of the organisation, you’re no longer part of a large hierarchical structure but instead a flatter more open construct (think small unit compared to whole force). This provides the ability for you to really have your voice heard, helping in making decisions that affect the business at every level, and providing a huge opportunity to make real impacts.
In short, if you enjoy challenging work that pushes you and provides opportunities for you to grow while making a difference – BetterGov is exactly the sort of organisation you should look at joining.
Why should you employ us?
Morgan (Mogsy) Long – Defence Director
We bring a culture of Resilience, Teamwork, and Innovation:
Running a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) is no easy feat. With tight budgets, high stakes, and the constant pressure to perform, companies need employees who can thrive in challenging environments. This is where veterans come in. We bring a unique set of skills that make us incredibly valuable to any team, including resilience, strong teamwork abilities, and an innovative mindset, all honed through our military experiences.
But what does this actually mean for your company?
- Resilience: Bouncing Back from Adversity
Every business faces challenges, whether it’s a missed deadline, a frustrated client, or an unexpected market change. We, however, are experts at resilience. Years of training conditions us to handle high-pressure situations and maintain focus in the face of adversity. This makes us the perfect fit when things go wrong and you need a fix.
Rather than panicking or giving up, we approach problems with a calm, solution-oriented mindset. Learning from our setbacks and quickly adapt to find a way forward. In any business, where recovery from failure can be critical, having someone who leads with resilience can inspire the entire team to stay focused and find the right solutions, even when times get tough.
- Teamwork: The Power of Collaboration
We’re also natural team players. We understand that success depends on working together towards a common goal, and this mindset sticks with us throughout our further career. We know that collaboration is essential to achieving the best results and how to create an environment where every team member feels valued.
We naturally bring people together, enable strong open communication, and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal. Whether it’s in a leadership role or a supportive team position, we fight to make sure that projects move forward smoothly and everyone is contributing their best.
- Innovation: Thinking Outside the Box
We tend to be naturally innovative. In our uniformed roles, we were often required to think on our feet and find creative solutions to unexpected challenges. This adaptability and creativity translate directly into the business world and successful outcomes.
In SMEs, where unconventional problems often arise, we like thinking outside the box. Whether it’s improving a product, streamlining a process, or finding new ways to engage customers, veterans bring fresh perspectives and practical solutions that drive innovation.
- A Can-Do Attitude: Getting Things Done
Perhaps one of the most valuable traits is our ability to just “get s… done” that “can-do” attitude. The military taught us to get the job done, no matter the circumstances.
We’re not deterred by limited resources or tight timelines. We tackle problems head-on, relying on resourcefulness, teamwork, and hard work to get results. This mindset helps SMEs stay agile, focused, and productive, especially when facing tough situations.
- Transferable Skills: A Swiss Army Knife of Talents
Finally, veterans like Steve and I have a broad toolkit of transferable skills. From leadership and project management to logistics and crisis management, we were trained in a variety of fields that are directly applicable to the SME world. Our diverse skill sets allow us to step into multiple roles, from managing a team to optimizing operations or leading a critical project.
Guthrie Holliday – Managing Partner
To fellow SME leaders, if you want consultants who will own the mission, collaborate successfully, and execute effectively, look to the veteran community. The opportunity is more than commercial, it is a chance to honour our Services by giving talented people meaningful new theatres in which to excel.
Thank you for reading and for joining us in celebrating the remarkable contributions of those who have worn the uniform. If you’re curious about how veterans could strengthen your organisation, do reach out.
