Riverside’s Group Veterans Lead and Director of Operations Lee Buss-Blair has been appointed to the Government’s Veterans Advisory Board by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.  

The Board provides advice, challenge and diversity of thought to the Government on veteran issues, including supporting the delivery of the ‘Strategy for Our Veterans’ and is chaired by Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP.  

The Minister highlighted former solider Lee’s valuable experience operating in the veterans housing sector, along with insight into issues affecting often underrepresented veteran cohorts.  

The 11-person Board is now entering its second term and aims to provide advice and insight on issues affecting veterans. It has already made significant contributions to the lives of UK veterans. It advised on the creation of the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan, published in January this year; and it helped shape the Independent LGBT Veterans. 

Lee Buss-Blair, Director of Operations and Group Veteran Lead, said:

“I’m extremely proud to have been appointed to the Veterans Advisory Board. This is a huge opportunity to use combine my experiences as a former solider and expertise in housing and homelessness to make a real difference to veterans across the UK.”  

Earlier this summer, Riverside was appointed Gold status in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition scheme and was the first housing association to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in 2014. It is a leading provider of specialist housing and support for veterans struggling to readjust to civilian life. 

Riverside remains committed to supporting the armed forces community and are dedicated to helping veterans impacted by homelessness, with many of its services having been developed and driven by staff who have served. If you’d like to find out more, please click here.