REED Signs Armed Forces Covenant to support veterans into work

Reed, the world’s largest family-owned recruitment company, has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, signalling its commitment to ensuring those who serve, or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

The signing – which took place on 15^th March in the Memorial Courtyard the Ministry of Defence, Whitehall – saw James Reed, Chairman of Reed, affirm the company’s commitment to upholding the two key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant in its business dealings. These principles are:

• No member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen
• In some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved

Alongside the above, Reed has also committed to various pledges specific to the recruitment sector which will see the company support the career prospects of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families, both internally and externally. These pledges include promoting Reed as an Armed Forces-friendly organisation to all staff, customers, suppliers, and the wider public, supporting the employment of veterans by recognising military skills and qualifications in the recruitment and selection process, and working with and fundraising for Armed Forces charities.

Through the pledges in the Armed Forces Covenant, Reed Recruitment is working to highlight how the unique skills veterans acquire in the armed forces can be transferred to everyday roles.

The Armed Forces Covenant is the latest step Reed has taken to affirm its commitment to supporting military personnel into employment, with the recruiter also being awarded Bronze in the Armed Forces Employee Recognition scheme.

James Reed, chairman of Reed Recruitment, said:

“I’m proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of Reed and to pledge our continued commitment to doing all we can to ensure those actively serving, reservists, veterans and military families are treated equitably and fairly.

“Too often, the skills and qualifications of military personnel are overlooked by employers simply because they don’t fit into what is traditionally expected. However, through signing the Armed Forces Covenant and achieving Bronze in the Armed Forces Employee Recognition scheme, we are signalling a sincere commitment to working with our clients and communicating how these military skills and qualifications can be transferred to different roles across the UK economy.”

Leo Docherty, Parliamentary under Secretary of State (Minister for Defence People and Veterans) and Parliamentary Secretary (Minister for Defence People and Veterans), said:

“We’re delighted to have Reed’s support. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, the company is showing clear intent to help the Armed Forces Community across the country. Using the training, skills and mind-set they have developed, current and former Armed Forces personnel can build successful careers as they transition away from the military.”