Local businesses sign Armed Forces Corporate Covenant
Today (Thursday 10 September 2015) both Shropshire Housing Group (SHG) and Severnside Housing (SH) signed the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, pledging their support to the Armed Forces Community and joining a host of other businesses to already do so, such as ATS Mobiles, Caterpillar Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Town FC and White7 Limousines.
Signing the Corporate Covenant is a voluntary statement of support for the Armed Forces community. The document compliments the Armed Forces Covenant, which sets out a moral obligation between the nation, Armed Forces and Government.
By signing the Corporate Covenant, SHG and SH are required to offer support in a way which is most appropriate to their organisation.
Various principles that the companies can sign up to are outlined and they include: supporting the employment of service spouses and partners, supporting the employment of Reservists, offering support to local cadet units, and actively participating in Armed Forces Day.
Tim Barker, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for the Armed Forces Community Covenant, said:
“It’s fantastic news for the Armed Forces community that Shropshire Housing Group and Severnside Housing are signing the Corporate Covenant.
“Key aims of the Covenant are to support Armed Forces personnel in their transition from military to civilian life, bridge the divide between the two communities and support the employment of Veterans and Reservist Forces. In signing the Corporate Covenant, organisations are committing to supporting Armed Forces personnel and their families through this transition by offering employment opportunities and raising general awareness of the Forces and their role within our communities.
“The Covenant doesn’t just support those freshly out of the Armed Forces, it also supports reservists, veterans and the Armed Forces community as a whole. I hope, for these benefits, other employers will follow suit.”
Shropshire Council signed a Local Authority Covenant on Thursday 3 May 2012.
David Fairclough, Shropshire Council’s Armed Forces Community Covenant co-ordinator, added:
“It’s been three years since Shropshire Council signed their Armed Forces Covenant and it’s fantastic to see companies in the Shropshire area continuing to follow suit. We do a lot of work with our local Armed Forces to ensure the Corporate and Local Authority Covenant provide many benefits for veterans, reservists and families of the Armed Forces, offering advantages and support they may not have had access to if the Covenant had not been there.”
As well as supporting British Troops, there are many benefits for businesses as well. Businesses are offered the potential to sign Reservists who are well-rounded and well- trained individuals. Businesses are also given the opportunity to enhance their reputation as a ‘Forces friendly’ organisation, whilst also networking with like-minded businesses.
For more information on The Armed Forces Covenant, visit:
