Reservist and civilian employment work/life alias; why employer engagement with the armed forces can balance the scales.
Like Clark Kent and Kristin Wells, reservists also have a secret identity. Saving the world is a tough job on its own, but many reservist men and women also have their regular employment as well. It can be extremely challenging finding a balance between the two, which is where GL RFCA’s employer engagement team come in! Read on to hear from our Head of Engagement, Drew Jeacock, to find out how they have been getting on.
The employer engagement team has had a busy and successful year, with an upward (and pleasing) trend of organisations pledging their support to the armed forces family. We have had over 150 organisations across London signing the armed forces covenant (AFC) in the past 12 months and had a record 34 organisations being awarded the prestigious silver employer recognition scheme (ERS) status. The latter had a very enjoyable evening celebrating their achievement at the Cavalry and Guards Club last November – please look at the short video.
We are always looking for new and innovative ways to reach out and increase the awareness of the armed forces family, and 2020 will see us hosting new events as well as old favourites. Armed Forces Week, culminating with Armed Forces Day on 27 June, will be a particular focus for us.
If your company is not part of the AFC or ERS it’s never too late to get involved; our Regional Employer Engagement Directors (REEDs) are there to help you on your journey. Get in contact today to find out more at gl-offemp@rfca.mod.uk
None of this would be possible without the fantastic help and support of many people, notably the tri-service engagement team at Headquarters London District, the Royal Navy’s regional command at HMS President, the Royal Air Force at RAF Northolt and our colleagues at Defence Relationship Management. Thank you, one and all!
We cover every business sector and touch nearly every one of London’s 32 boroughs, plus the City. In addition, we work closely with the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force reserve units, offering help, advice and even financial support for specific projects. This steady increase in activity has seen our social media presence grow 60% from last year – so look us up if you haven’t already!
