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'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  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.