There are lots of different ways to be a forces-friendly employer. For many the first step is to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant which is a pledge to treat the military fairly. Others want to take their support further and choose to apply for an award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Whatever your organisation’s reasons or aspirations, you can be sure that its support makes a real difference to a group of people who play a crucial role in UK defence as well as those who are helping to nurture and aspire the next generation through their involvement with the cadet movement.
Help and support
And, of course, here at the RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber, we are here to help. Our employer engagement team works closely with organisations who wish to deepen their relationship with the military and steers them in the right direction. Support includes providing information on legal rights and responsibilities as an employer; reserves’ and adult volunteers’ training commitments and how they can affect employers; and guidance on how to get the best out of your reserve or cadet force adult volunteer employee.
Meet the team
The team works with the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Relationship Management organisation to establish open and strategic relationships with employers. Its ultimate aim is to help companies and organisations understand the importance of their reserves and adult volunteers, the extra skills and abilities they can bring to their organisation and to encourage them to show their support by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and becoming a ‘Supportive Employer’.
Reservists and cadet force adult volunteers
All reserves and cadet force adult volunteers undergo rigorous training which develops valuable skills like leadership, teamwork, effective communication and organisational ability. This can lead to improved performance in the workplace, with transferable attributes that include the ability to work under pressure, reliability, self-confidence and a determination to succeed.
If you have recently begun employing a reserve or cadet force adult volunteer and would like to find out more about how we can assist you, please contact the team on 07738 422586 or yh-empsp@rfca.mod.uk .