From Homelessness to MOD Lead: Overcoming Social Mobility Barriers

From experiencing homelessness during her GCSEs to leading large-scale change within the Ministry of Defence, Kelsea’s journey is a testament to resilience. Here, she shares how she overcame social mobility barriers and why your background, no matter how non-traditional, is a professional strength, not a hurdle.

Where You Start Isn’t Where You Finish: Kelsea’s path into the MOD

I’m currently working as the Business Change and Operational Design Lead within the Armed Forces Recruiting Programme, and my journey here hasn’t been a conventional one. It’s been shaped by resilience, determination, and a belief that where you start shouldn’t define where you can go.

Early Life and Overcoming Social Mobility Challenges

I grew up in a single-parent household, living mainly off benefits, and faced several social mobility challenges from an early age. My childhood was difficult, and at times unstable. During my GCSEs, I experienced homelessness and was sofa surfing. Education wasn’t straightforward for me. I left school with just two GCSEs, but I was determined to create better opportunities for myself. I spent four years at college, working hard to gain enough qualifications to get into university, where I studied Event Management and Tourism.

Starting My Career and Facing Setbacks

After graduating, I secured my first role as a General Manager in a small print and project management company. It was a steep learning curve and an opportunity to build real leadership experience early in my career. However, my time there came to an unexpected end when I was forced out due to pregnancy. While this was a challenging and uncertain period, it ultimately led me to the Civil Service, a move that changed the trajectory of my career.

Joining the Civil Service and Delivering Large‑Scale Change

I joined the Department for Work and Pensions as a Work Coach, supporting people into employment, many of whom faced challenges like those I had experienced. I later had the opportunity to lead the operational rollout of Universal Credit, which gave me invaluable experience in delivering large scale change.

Growing My Career in the Ministry of Defence

Since joining the Ministry of Defence, I’ve worked across a range of fascinating and complex programmes, from equipment and cyber, to nuclear, and now people and transformation and have quickly worked my way through the grades. What has stood out to me most is the breadth of opportunity and the trust placed in individuals to grow and contribute, regardless of their background.

Support, Development and New Opportunities

The MOD has supported me in ways I never imagined possible. I’ve been able to gain professional qualifications and, most significantly, complete an MSc in Programme and Project Management, funded by the organisation. This is something I would never have had access to otherwise, and it’s had a huge impact on both my confidence and career progression.

Purpose, Inclusion and Belonging

What I enjoy most about working here is the sense of purpose. The work we do matters, not just to national security, but to the people behind it. There’s also a strong culture of support and inclusion, where different experiences and perspectives are valued. I’ve never felt that my background has held me back; if anything, it’s recognised as part of what I bring.

A Message to Those from Underrepresented Backgrounds

To anyone from an underrepresented group, whether that means a lower socio economic background, a minority ethnicity, a disability, gender identity, neurodiversity, or simply a non-traditional career path, my message is this: don’t count yourself out.

You don’t need to have followed the “usual” route or come from a particular background to belong here. The Civil Service, and the MOD in particular, has space for people from all walks of life. Your experiences, whatever they are and wherever they come from, are valuable.

Where you begin doesn’t define where you can end up. With the right support and the right opportunities, it’s absolutely possible to build a career you’re proud of.

Your voice matters. Your journey matters. And your path, even if it has been unconventional or challenging, is not a barrier; it’s a strength.

I’m proof of that.