In Armed Forces Week, Jane Shepherd – a director of North Staffordshire-based Shepherd PR, and a RAF Reserves Media Operations Officer – gives an insight into how the Staffordshire business community can take the step to support the military community.
“The partnership between business and organisations across Staffordshire and the Armed Forces is one based on mutual respect, and a deep understanding of the value each partner brings to our county, the UK and the wider world.
Many organisations and businesses formalise this, by signing The Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.
As well as The Armed Forces Covenant, there’s the opportunity to make a further commitment, through the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Members of the Armed Forces community bring a wealth of transferable skills and experiences to employers across the United Kingdom.
With 14,553 organisations having signed Covenant pledges, now more than ever, employers across the UK are recognising that becoming a Forces friendly employer is a smart business decision. That’s not just because of the skills and training that members of the Armed Forces community bring to employers, but also because of the volume of support available to the organisations looking to employ them.
The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) acknowledges employers that provide exceptional support to the Armed Forces community and Defence by going above and beyond their Covenant pledges.
Through a three-tier approach of bronze, silver and gold awards, the scheme recognises the different levels of commitment provided by employers. This allows the Ministry of Defence to publicly thank and honour those organisations for their support.
Last year, Shepherd PR was proud to achieve the silver accolade. It was incredible to see the support from our businesses and organisations across Staffordshire at the awards event who are committed to our Armed Forces, at the presentation ceremony, held at National Memorial Arboretum (NMA).
And as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in RAF Media Reserves with 7644 Squadron, I see first-hand the opportunity to get involved in the military environment, and all the benefits of working and training in challenging environments, which can then be applied in the day job.
Ultimately, ours is a county built on outstanding military traditions and service, with the NMA the ultimate recognition of that.
If you want to step up and support the Armed Forces Community, more details on the Armed Forces Covenant can be found at Home – Armed Forces Covenant
The team of the West Midland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association | WM RFCA are also invaluable as a source of further information, particularly in the role of advocacy and promoting support for the Reserves, Cadets and wider military family through engagement with employers, local authorities, youth and the wider community. Their work involves direct support to employers, and it’s a great resource to make the connection with the Armed Forces community.”
