Felix from the Young Defence Network

The Young Defence Network is a relatively new staff network within MOD and aims to give younger and more junior staff within the Department a voice and provide them with a peer support network. Professional development is also a key priority for YDN, and the network has put considerable effort into delivering events which help to upskill members. For example, we have delivered sessions on writing job applications and interview techniques to help those seeking promotion to stand the best possible chance.

In addition to this YDN has also been working with other networks, and the Charity for Civil Servants, to support our members throughout COVID and make sure people are aware of the resources available to them should they need it. Our mindfulness sessions have been a useful tool to provide people with soft skills which might be of use during stressful times at work or in their personal lives.

The network also seeks to help its members to navigate their way through the complex world of Defence by putting on regular speakers’ events with everyone from the House of Lords Minister through to the Permanent Under Secretary and the various Profession Leads. These all help to highlight the different careers available to staff within Defence and allows our members to highlight areas that are important to them with key decision-makers.

Whilst YDN is focused on younger members of staff, there’s no age limit for joining the Network. Our core belief is that the MOD offers young people the amazing opportunity to work on some of the most complex and important issues within government from a huge range of standpoints including project management, finance, engineering, policy, private office, and intelligence – a whole careers’ worth of roles available across the globe.

A Career in the Civil Service is An Opportunity to Make a Difference.