British Chambers sign Armed Forces Covenant

The British Chambers of Commerce have signed the Armed Forces Covenant in a virtual signing event attended by the assistant chief of defence staff, Major General Simon Brooks-Ward.

The Chambers have pledged to the Armed Forces Covenant - a promise that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect in their communities, economy and society for which they serve with their lives.

By signing the Covenant, the BCC has made a commitment to support serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families by fostering relationships between business and the Armed Forces, supporting employment opportunities for veterans, service spouses and partners and offering favourable employment terms to support reservist duties.

Major General Brooks-Ward (pictured) said: “I am delighted that the British Chambers of Commerce have decided to sign their Armed Forces Covenant.

“This is a very important step which brings together the supportive pledges of many individual Chambers across the network.

“I welcome the key pledges which include the promotion of the Armed Forces Covenant across the Chamber Military Network, ten day 's fully paid reservist leave and support to military spouses including the 'Supporting the Unsung Hero ' start-up programme.

“This sets a fine example to all Chambers and their membership. Thank you, British Chambers of Commerce, for your support. ”

The British Chambers ' covenant pledge is made in support of the Chamber Military Network - a project (funded by the Forces in Mind Trust) which helps Chambers, and their members undertake the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant and deliver their employment pledges as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

Dr Adam Marshall, the departing director general of the BCC, said: “Over the years, I have seen just how much the Armed Forces community contributes to business, both as employees that bring a wealth of skills, experience, and innovation, and as entrepreneurs driving forward our economy.

“The British Chambers of Commerce and the Chamber Military Network are well-placed to support the Armed Forces Covenant, to deepen links between the business and defence communities.

“Our unique position helping British businesses in every region and nation and across the globe means we can work together with the Chamber Military Network to foster relationships, dispel myths, and support service people and their families. ”

To date more than 6,500 organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant including businesses and charities nationwide.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has close links with the patron the West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (WM RFCA) and is a silver award holder under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Bobby Birdi, regional employer engagement director at the WM RFCA, said: “We are very fortunate in the West Midlands to have very supportive Chambers of Commerce, especially GBCC, who have advocated for the Armed Forces Covenant for a number of years.

“The Employer Engagement team at the WM RFCA is on hand to support any organisation to find out more about developing a mutually beneficial partnership with defence, to further the Armed Forces community. ”

Any businesses who would like to find out more can contact [email protected]