Employers
Support to organisations looking to recruit and retain members of the Armed Forces Community
Become a Forces-Friendly employer by signing the Armed Forces Covenant today.
The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The AFC sets out a view of the desired relationship between the government, the military and broader society.
By signing the AFC you join the thousands of forces friendly employers who benefit from the wide range of unique skills and experiences that reservists and veterans can bring to your organisation.
Employers can pledge their support and sign the AFC electronically here.
· Find out who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant
· Contact the relationship management teams within Defence Relationship Management or your local Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for further guidance and support.
Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
DRM enables organisations to develop a mutually beneficial working relationship with the Ministry of Defence (MOD). DRM Account Managers and Regional Employer Engagement Directors actively manage these relationships with employers to ensure the continued support of Defence objectives and the successful implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant.
For employers who have already pledged their support by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, Defence Relationship Management and your local RFCA can support your journey through the Employer Recognition Scheme.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support Defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Support from Defence Relationship Management (DRM)
DRM is an arms-length-body of the Ministry of Defence and partners with organisations to support civilian employment for the Armed Forces community including Reservists, military spouses/partners, veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. It advises organisations on how to improve fairness for this community and encourages forces-friendly HR policies.
DRM supports employers to recruit and retain members of the Armed Forces community so that businesses can access the transferable skills that Armed Forces personnel bring to the workplace.
The ways DRM offer support include:
· employment of reservists and support through flexible HR policies
· employment of regular service personnel at the end of their engagements, in collaboration with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
· employment opportunities for service leavers with more challenging transitions including the wounded, injured and sick
· employment of spouses/civil partners of service personnel
· joint development of skills in areas such as engineering, medical, communications and cyber security
· career opportunities and support for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
Support from the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations
The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Greater London (GL RFCA) is one of 13 RFCAs located across the UK. GL RFCA supports and champions London's Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ by raising awareness and developing relationships with communities, employers and veterans. The employer engagement team embedded within each regional RFCA provides official relationship management support between the Ministry of Defence and employers. GL RFCA supports this relationship across the Greater London region.
Below are useful links for employers looking to recruit and retain members of the Armed Forces Community.
· Partnering with defence: Employer engagement handbook
· Veterans news and communications Hub: Find out why employing veterans is good for business.