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  • Rob Martin – from military service to Managing Director of Care Services at Anchor

11 November 2024

Rob Martin – from military service to Managing Director of Care Services at Anchor

Rob Martin, Managing Director of Care Services at Anchor reflects on his experience in the military and career in social care. Rob Martin

Rob Martin's journey began in the Royal Artillery, where he served several years in Her Majesty’s Forces. His military career started at the School of Gunnery in Larkhill, followed by a posting to the 40 Regiment Royal Artillery (The Lowland Gunners) in Hohne, Germany. Trained to operate the AS90 artillery gun, Rob undertook multiple tours, including two in Canada and a six-month peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of NATO's Stabilisation Forces. His final role involved ceremonial duties in Edinburgh, where he served on the Recruitment Team and fired the iconic 1 o’clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle.

It was never a plan or aspiration to join the forces, more a way out from a challenging time at school.

After leaving the forces, he pursued a certificate in personnel practice and became an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). His transition to civilian life led him to manage a care service in crisis, marking the beginning of his career in social care as a Registered Care Manager.

Rob continues to draw on his experiences as a Registered Manager to understand the challenges faced and the impact of his decisions: “I know first-hand how critical effective leadership in the Registered Manager role is.” This depth of understanding and appreciation for high-quality care remains integral to his work. 

Rob’s military experience instilled in him invaluable lessons about leadership under Rob Martin pressure and the importance of humility, emphasising a collaborative “in it together” mentality, which he still applies “today” in his current role. He believes the most beneficial skills from his military service that are transferable to a care setting include strong leadership, leading by example, trust humility, teamwork, and a can-do attitude— “whatever it takes,” he asserts, “saying it can’t be done is not an option.” For Rob, strong leadership means not only directing others but also embodying the values he expects from his team; recognising every person’s contribution is crucial to achieving common goals. 

In Rob’s opinion,

Ex-service professionals will adapt easily to a career in social care; it provides ‘purpose.’ Many ex-service personnel may struggle to find purpose after serving in the forces. Every day offers something different; it is full of challenges and fulfilment.

For those ex-service professionals considering a transition to the care sector, Rob’s advice is straightforward: “Do it, you won’t regret it.”

Rob often reminisces about his military days, establishing connections and finding common ground with residents and fellow veterans in Anchor care homes.

For Rob, Remembrance Day will always be significant as a time to remember people he has known in service as well as the many, many people who gave their lives. He believes it is crucial to honour their sacrifice and views Remembrance Day as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace, understanding, and humanity. It remains incredibly important for both residents and staff in Anchor housing locations and care homes, as the community hubs they are, reflect the national importance of remembrance, which resonates deeply with everyone involved.

At Anchor, residents are encouraged to share their stories and take pride in their service. The Veteran-Friendly Framework accreditation is one way Anchor highlights veterans in care homes, providing year-round recognition and support. Carers are trained to understand the unique histories of all residents and consider how these may impact day-to-day experiences, working to create an environment that accommodates individual needs and preferences. This is something Rob is very proud to have spearheaded during his time as Managing Director of Care Services at Anchor.

Through his work, Rob has learned that many veterans may be hesitant to discuss their experiences, often due to trauma. This insight is significant, as “not everyone is ready to talk about their experiences but may exhibit behaviours we can’t make sense of.” It underscores Anchor's essential role in supporting veterans and their families – with 20 care homes currently holding Veteran Friendly Framework status. Rob advocates for creating an environment that acknowledges individual needs and fosters a community where colleagues are trained to listen and provide effective support.

Rob Martin is the Managing Director of Care Services at Anchor

Read more from Anchor

 Hatton Grange care home celebrates three special milestone birthdays
24 Sep 2025

Hatton Grange care home celebrates three special milestone birthdays

Hatton Grange care home in Hyde, Manchester recently marked three landmark birthdays, as residents Irene Moore, Blanche Harrisson and Margaret Wood each reached incredible milestones.

Celebrating 5 years of Be Well: our journey in supporting resident wellbeing
23 Sep 2025

Celebrating 5 years of Be Well: our journey in supporting resident wellbeing

In her blog, Lauren Smith, our Resident Wellbeing Lead talks about how Be Well started as a way to help residents take care of their wellbeing and how it has grown along the way.

Clayburn Court care home celebrates 10th anniversary
19 Sep 2025

Clayburn Court care home celebrates 10th anniversary

The care home in Peterborough celebrated its 10th birthday with a party for residents, colleagues, and members of the local community.

Priors Hall care home receives excellent review score
12 Sep 2025

Priors Hall care home receives excellent review score

Colleagues at Priors Hall were delighted to receive a 10 out of 10 score in reviews posted on Carehome.co.uk, which described the Corby care home as ‘excellent’.

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12 Sep 2025

Anchor shortlisted for two digital awards

We have been shortlisted for two awards for our work to improve digital inclusion and innovation for those in later life through our Connected Properties programme. 

Primrose Court care home hosts music festival for residents and community
11 Sep 2025

Primrose Court care home hosts music festival for residents and community

Primrose Court care home in Leeds transformed its grounds into a vibrant festival venue for a day of live music dubbed ‘Primrosebury’.

Piers Lodge in Essex celebrates successful phase one completion
9 Sep 2025

Piers Lodge in Essex celebrates successful phase one completion

Our new development for over 55s in Southend-on-Sea, Essex recently held a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of phase one.

Topping out ceremony marks successful completion at Mulberry House
9 Sep 2025

Topping out ceremony marks successful completion at Mulberry House

We are pleased to share that we have just celebrated the completion of Mulberry House, our development of new homes for over 55s near Gresley Way in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

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9 Sep 2025

Response to Regulatory Casework Review

We welcome today’s report from the Regulator of Social Housing as a valuable resource for the sector.

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4 Sep 2025

Ellen’s Story: How Be Active has supported her health and wellbeing

Ellen Carter, a resident at Hanover Court in Penzance shares her experience of using our Be Active programme.

The benefits of Be Well
3 Sep 2025

The benefits of Be Well

Be Well is our range of free resident wellbeing services. Barbara Spray, a resident at St Catherines Court, talks about the impact Be Well has had on her life.

Tolson Grange care home celebrates achieving VFF status, enhancing care for veterans
1 Sep 2025

Tolson Grange care home celebrates achieving VFF status, enhancing care for veterans

Tolson Grange care home in Huddersfield hosted a celebration to mark its achievement of gaining Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status.

Oak Tree Lodge care home hosts surprise hen do for brides-to-be
21 Aug 2025

Oak Tree Lodge care home hosts surprise hen do for brides-to-be

Oak Tree Lodge care home in Leeds celebrated in style this week as residents joined two care colleagues for a joint hen party, complete with an afternoon of laughter, games, and wedding excitement.

Bethune Court care home resident celebrates 100th birthday
19 Aug 2025

Bethune Court care home resident celebrates 100th birthday

Jessie Edmed has lived at Bethune Court care home in Hastings for three years and recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Widnes Hall care home celebrates achieving VFF status, enhancing care for veterans
15 Aug 2025

Widnes Hall care home celebrates achieving VFF status, enhancing care for veterans

Widnes Hall care home in Halton, Cheshire hosted a celebration to mark its achievement of receiving Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status.

The Manor House Knaresborough care home awarded for continued commitment to veteran care
14 Aug 2025

The Manor House Knaresborough care home awarded for continued commitment to veteran care

The Manor House Knaresborough care home in Yorkshire has been awarded for its continued commitment to supporting veterans both within the home and across the local community.

Marham House care home hosts Alice in Wonderland-themed summer fair
7 Aug 2025

Marham House care home hosts Alice in Wonderland-themed summer fair

Residents and colleagues at Marham House care home stepped through the looking glass as they celebrated the launch of a new community partnership with a magical Alice in Wonderland themed summer fair.

Why Technical Specification Manager Simon Chose Anchor
4 Aug 2025

Why Technical Specification Manager Simon Chose Anchor

Find out why Technical Standards and Specification Manager Simon chose Anchor in this Q&A. Click here to read the full article and find your dream Anchor job.

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