Employers demonstrate Armed Forces commitment
Over 1,000 West Midland businesses have signed up to an Armed Forces Covenant pledging vital regional support for military personnel, veterans and their families.
The growing corporate backing for the services was revealed as the region prepares to mark the annual Armed Forces Week, which starts today and recognises the work of the Forces community ranging from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.
The covenant focuses on helping members of the armed forces community have the same access to Government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.
Calum Nisbet, chair of the West Midlands Regional Employer Engagement Group for the West Midlands Reserve Forces ' & Cadets ' Association, said: “From a business point of view the week provides a great opportunity for employers to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces.
“Throughout the week they can champion serving troops and veterans from their community as well as recognising reservists in their workforce, highlighting the benefits they bring. It is also a great opportunity to 'fly the flag ' and demonstrate that they are 'Forces friendly, ' providing equal opportunities for the Armed Forces Community.
“We have over 1,000 West Midland businesses who have already signed the Armed Forces Covenant and nearly 800 who are participating in the Defence Recognition Scheme, which encourages employers to support defence and the Armed Forces Community.
“These organisations, along with those that employ reservists, could, for example, inspire others to do the same by hosting events or webinars to explain what they get from supporting the Armed Forces. ”
Armed Forces Week includes Reserves Day on Wednesday June 21 which provides an opportunity to highlight and recognise the valuable contribution Reservists make to the military services. The week culminates with Armed Forces Day, which takes place on Saturday June 24.
Calum added: “The West Midlands is home to around 2,500 Reservists, who give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve.
“Across the West Midlands we have around 11,500 cadets, ably supported by around 2,000 adult volunteers. The Cadet Force provides structure and exciting opportunities and experience in association with the Forces.
“It is designed to inspire young people to challenge their limits, to grow their abilities and, ultimately, to help them reach their potential. Armed Forces Week will encourage Cadets to get involved with events as well as highlighting the incredible work the adult volunteers provide, week after week. ”
Among the regional organisations that are part of the West Midlands Regional Employer Engagement Group and are supporting Armed Forces Week are Pertemps, West Midlands Police, Sandwell College, Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).
Henrietta Brealey, CEO of the GBCC said: “Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce are proud to be signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holders.
“After becoming a signatory, we reviewed key policies and processes to ensure that we are an armed forces friendly workplace. We also work closely with the West Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association on raising awareness of the benefits of the covenant to employers - particularly on opportunities to attract and retain talented individuals, a highly topical consideration in the current labour market. ”
Meanwhile, the West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association will be sharing a variety of stories across its social media channels throughout the week, highlighting activities from across the armed forces community.
For Reserves Day, employers are being urged to thank reservists for their contributions by holding workplace talks, organising an event or publicly declaring support for the day.
For digital resources to help you organisation show your support for Armed Forces Week, click here for the official toolkit.
To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant, contact Jason Simpson, GBCC Patron Manager on [email protected].