Since then, he’s been working with a range of different groups, from Police, Ambulance services to regional government, councils, and any other uniformed services associated with the Coronavirus response effort.
“Military planning, liaising, and sales might seem a world apart, but a lot of what I do in my civilian job applies here. You need to be able to present yourself and your objectives clearly and effectively,” says Mark. “Building good working relationships quickly is especially important, whilst leading those around you and hopefully inspiring them to do the same,” he adds.
It’s something Radisson Hotel Group recognises too. “We are incredibly proud of Mark and all our colleagues across Radisson Hotel Group who have volunteered in various ways to support the COVID-19 response effort. The health, safety & security of our guests, team members and business partners is our highest priority, and the ability to adapt, develop and share new skills will be of significant benefit to the company” , says Sean Philby, Director of Sales & Marketing, UK, Ireland & Western Europe. “We have a strong commitment to personal development and offer a comprehensive internal training programme. However, we also recognise the value and importance of our team members developing their knowledge outside of the business and gaining transferable skills, such as Mark is doing via the Reservist programme. We hope Mark’s expertise from his role at Radisson Hotel Group can be applied to his role as Team Leader, Planner and Liaison Officer, and vice versa.”
The benefits go both ways, with Lt Cdr Bannister keen to point out how this role will improve his working practice in the future; “Providing an accurate understanding of MACA to the public is crucial to my mobilised role, and this has been a great, if slightly unusual education in strategic marketing. You have to ensure every viewpoint is properly understood, especially with so many stakeholders involved, each with different interests or influences.”
The Regional Military Planning & Liaison Team (SW), based at Jellalabad Barracks in Tidworth, is a mixed civilian/military unit with members of all three services (both regular and reserve) providing planning for both the response and recovery phases of Op RESCRIPT, the MACA component of the UK’s fight against COVID-19.
As well as Mark’s Civilian & Military career he is also a First Responder of seven years, with South Central Ambulance Service. He has continued to respond throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in his own time, helping his local community, as well as supporting the NHS in a time of high demand.
Be part of our well-respected network, get trusted advice and take a positive approach to your learning and development.
Your business card may take a moment to be generated. You can save your business card by right clicking -> save image as, or holding down on the image on your phone.
