4 February 2015
Woking businesses strengthen links with Armed Forces community
Business leaders in Woking have taken part in a networking event with the Armed Forces to learn how the two communities can work together to provide mutually beneficial support.
Woking Borough Council signed a Community Covenant in 2012 pledging its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, now local businesses are being invited to learn about the role they can play in helping the Borough's serving men and women, reserve personnel, veterans, and their families.
Representing the Armed Forces, Colonel Charlie Lambert, Garrison Commander at Aldershot co-hosted the breakfast briefing at Export House with local businessman, Shahid Azeem CEO of Arcom IT. The Colonel spoke of the importance of creating employment opportunities for veterans and the need for flexible working conditions for spouses, partners and members of the reserve forces.
There was also a call on businesses to support local cadet programmes - which prepares young people, not for active service, but encourages them to take an active involvement in their local community.
Providing a business perspective, Brigadier Paul Evans, UK Defence Transformation Director at BAE Systems, was able to highlight some of the recruitment benefits a closer working relationship with the Armed Forces has brought.
BAE Systems formalised its working relationship with the Armed Forces community in 2013 by signing a Corporate Covenant, an additional layer of support under the National Armed Forces Covenant, which Woking Borough Council, in collaboration with SaBRE, will be encouraging businesses to commit to at the end of March.
A Corporate Covenant is a voluntary statement of support for the Armed Forces community working for, and using the services of, a particular company, corporate entity or charitable organisation. It complements the existing elements of the Armed Forces Covenant and ensures that members of the Armed Forces community face no disadvantage in their engagement with business.
Cllr John Kingsbury, Leader of Woking Borough Council said: "A Corporate Covenant is a written and publicised voluntary pledge from businesses who wish to demonstrate their commitment and support for our service men and women, and their families.
"The Armed Forces community can contribute real value to business, both as employees who bring a wealth of skills and experience, and as customers. Organisations can also benefit significantly from membership of the Corporate Covenant scheme as it offers an opportunity to build a reputation as a forces friendly business at a time when public support for the Armed Forces is high.
"Woking Borough Council is supporting this process as committed signatories of the separate, but linked, Community Covenant. Furthermore, we are delighted to facilitate this introduction because we recognise the benefits the Armed Forces can provide in terms of economic development, due to the wealth of talent and skills leavers and reservists possess."
Whether it's as an employer of the Armed Forces community or simply as a public declaration of support, Woking Borough Council and its partners will be inviting businesses to become signatories of the Corporate Covenant at an event in March.
Businesses can find out more or register their support by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01483 743774.
