By Isle of Wight Observer
It was around this time last year that my company, SeaSafe, achieved the Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, and I pledged to ‘go for Gold’ this year.
I was very proud that we achieved that goal and I was recently invited aboard HMS Warrior to receive the award on behalf of SeaSafe, which was presented by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, and Rear-Admiral Jude Terry. We are now one of just two holders of the Gold Award on the Island, the other being the Isle of Wight Council. It is easy to criticise our council, often with good reason, but on the flip side we should also give praise where it is due, and for their emphasis on being a forces-friendly employer, I’m happy to give them credit.
I thought I would use this opportunity to explain why I think it is important that local businesses support our armed forces, and also the benefits it brings.
The start of the journey is signing the Armed Forces Covenant, as a demonstration of respect and support for those who serve or have served in our armed forces, and their families. Signing it is a public pledge to offer fair treatment and equal opportunities for members of the armed forces community. It is a tangible way that businesses can help ensure that servicemen and -women, veterans, and military families are not disadvantaged as a result of their service to us and our nation.
Moreover, signing the covenant enables businesses to tap into the vast pool of talent that the military community offers. Armed forces personnel and veterans possess a range of skills and experiences that can prove invaluable in business life, including leadership, resilience, and adaptability. They are people that you can depend on. Signing the covenant can help you attract, recruit and retain these highly-skilled men and women. The covenant is not a rigid set of promises. Every organisation, including businesses, charities and the public sector, can tailor the basic covenant template to make specific pledges about how you can support the military family.
Showing your support for the armed forces can also enhance a company’s reputation. You can use the logo in your marketing material which sends a strong message about the company’s values and commitment to social responsibility. It is not just the right thing to do ethically, but it makes sound business sense. I urge all Island businesses to consider signing the covenant.
Moving forward, if you are prepared to demonstrate further support for the defence community, you can apply to take part in the Employer Recognition Scheme, at one of three tiers, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
So, what does all this actually mean to an employer? Are there any hidden costs? The simple answer is that there are not any costs associated with signing the Armed Forces Covenant or taking part in the Employer Recognition Scheme, but it does bring you real benefits.
At SeaSafe we employ a former serviceman who is fully engaged in volunteering to help train and support Ryde Sea Cadets. The company supports him with his personal development and provides him with extra time off as needed to carry out his duties with the cadets.
Our armed forces put their personal comfort and safety at risk to protect us and our nation, often placing themselves in perilous situations. Their commitment to duty enables us to live in peace and security. Respecting them for that duty, and making sure we treat them fairly in civilian life, seems to me the least we can do.
If you would like to know more about the scheme then I’d be delighted to talk it through with you. Just email me on jeremy@seasafe.co.uk.