Baz Barrett: A Veteran’s Commitment to Education and Community

A veteran soldier who, uniquely, stood for the entire duration of this interview. This has never been done before with any other interviewee. It was a remarkable feat in addition to the outstanding story of his life.

Van Roy Heflin Barrett MBE, MSc; PGDip: MInstLM

Van is commonly known as Baz. His story begins in Jamaica in 1954 where he was separated from parents aged 1 but continues in the UK after being “sent for” arriving as part of the ‘Wind-rush’, in 1962 aged 8. At 16 Baz joined Her Majesty’s Armed Forces as a boy soldier, serving for 24 years. Having seen more than enough active service he left as a Warrant Officer (RQMS).

After leaving the Army, Baz initially worked for the Princes Trust in Birmingham, then Stoke on Trent College where he initiated the Prince’s Trust Programme in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire, seeing over 3000 young people through to greater opportunities.

He engaged fully in wider college development and became a Programme Manager with a staff team of 60 and was a founder member of the Equal Opportunities Committee.

n 2006 Baz was awarded an MBE for services to Further Education and Young People. He shared his love of rugby by coaching mini and junior players.

Valuing education, Baz undertook a wide range of academic qualifications, latterly gaining a master’s in military Veterans Health and Wellbeing, and currently heads up The Veteran’s Hub, a project that supports veterans and their families to find understanding, community and purpose.

Baz has lived a life of struggle and achievement. However, he loves nothing more than to support those that may be struggling to reach their full potential. In doing so he has learnt much about himself, others and societies around the world.

Baz, who is married with two grownup children and 2 grandchildren, will kindly share with you an understanding of the potential barriers to support for people like him as well as potential solutions to pulling those barriers down.

Baz was destined to be a leader from his junior school years. This continued throughput his career in the Army and he’s still leading at the forefront of whatever he is doing now. He has done some outstanding work and must be applauded for his dedication, efforts and endeavour.

It is great to see that Baz’s work has not gone unnoticed having received the MBE. People are generally passionate and driven to make a positive change, so it’s great to see when they are also rewarded or awarded for their contributions.