Honorary RN Officer

Prominent trailblazer and influencer, Simone Roche, is one of five honorary officers from the North in the Royal Navy – and the only female.

Simone is the founder of Northern Power Women and Northern Power Futures, campaigns aimed at accelerating gender equality and social mobility from the North of England.

She was appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, earlier this month. As part of this appointment she will undergo a training programme to provide the necessary background knowledge and key skills to undertake representative duties on behalf of the Naval Service.

Hon Lt Cdr Simone Roche said: “I joined the Royal Navy at the age of 18, so this feels like returning home. I can now reflect and wax lyrical about how integral the values and opportunities it afforded me are to my life and career now, and how they have made me who I am.

“As the recruitment campaign said, ‘I was made in the Royal Navy’. And lo and behold, I’m back again.”

Simone Roche

Honorary officers in the Royal Navy bring a breadth of experience and contribute in their own distinct way to strengthen the Naval Service’s ties with the communities it serves.

Simone said: “It is my great honour to accept this position in the Royal Navy as one of the honorary officers, particularly as there are only around 30 across the world who hold the title.

“Honorary officers of the RNR come from a variety of high-profile backgrounds across industry, sport and charitable organisations. Their role is to represent the Royal Navy through their day-to-day lives, including ceremonial duties.

“I want to use this position to create greater diversity in the Navy, as well as to show the community the huge number of amazing and different career paths the Navy has to offer, with first rate skills training, incredible support and opportunities to see the world.”

The Royal Navy’s area regional Commander Commodore, Phil Waterhouse, said: “Simone is a great friend and advocate of the Naval Service and her appointment will deepen the relationship between the community and the Royal Navy.

The armed forces are inclusive employers. We recognise the value of diversity and proudly serve all members of our communities at home and overseas. As the only female honorary Royal Navy officer in the north, Simone will wear her naval officer’s uniform with pride.”

From joining the Royal Navy at 17 as a radio operator, Simone scaled the ranks to Lieutenant before taking up roles outside the Royal Navy, including looking after sponsors for the London Olympics 2012, and events and sales management roles at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Aintree Racecourse.

She was then appointed deputy general manager of operations for the build of the new M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

Source: The Business Desk