Charlotte Alder joined the Honourable Artillery Company, London in 2019 as a Reservist and is currently employed by KPMG within the Strategy and Performance Transformation team as a Manager. Recently, she was part of the first mixed gender British Military team to summit Everest.
As a Reservist, LCpl Alder is required to commit to training once a week with optional weekends and carrying out ceremonial duties. KPMG signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2019 and swiftly progressed the ERS ladder being awarded Gold in 2021. For LCpl Alder, having an Armed Forces friendly employer has resulted in a greater level of awareness and flexibility with regards to her Reservist commitments. She is regularly provided with opportunities to leave her workplace, client sites and workshops early to be back in time for her training. Additionally, she is able to fulfil her ceremonial duties without taking annual leave.
To be awarded a gold recognition from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists, and have supportive HR policies in place for Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces. LCpl Alder and other Reservists benefit from three weeks of additional leave provided annually for military training, which she uses to complete her basic soldier training, attending skill courses and providing support to regular soldiers abroad.
LCpl Alder with Sgt Tim Beckett on Everest Summit
She also appreciates the support she receives from KPMG’s Forces in the Firm network which enables her to find opportunities and receive advice from other service leavers, Reservists and military spouses within the organisation. Recalling her recent successful expedition to reach the summit of Mt Everest, she claims that having a supportive employer has been a strong ingredient in achieving this success and has acted as a catalyst in developing vital transferable military skills that assist her professionally at KPMG.
“Over the last four years, I have used my additional leave towards preparing for my climb to Mt. Everest with Reservists from my unit. My seniors allowed me to take two months of leave in one block for my climb and offered an additional month of unpaid leave should anything go wrong!”
Being a Reservist, LCpl Alder undergoes rigorous military training, which develops key transferable and core skills. For an organisation to fund this sort of training themselves would have significant costs attached.
“KPMG values the experience and skill-set that military personnel, both Veterans and Reservists bring to their workforce. As one of the very first cohort of Gold ERS Award Holders, we always strive to support and encourage the employment and support of veterans, reservists, their families and the wider-military community; we have been fortunate enough to hire well in excess of 150 veterans across all parts of the firm. However, stories like Charlotte’s remind us how self-less and amazing the 35-plus active Reservists across the firm are who continue to serve and volunteer their spare time (not sure where they find it!) taking full advantage of the support KPMG offers, which includes an additional 15 days’ paid leave for training/wider reserve commitments. We have seen many of our colleagues mobilise for periods of up to 12 months to deploy on active operations overseas, as well as completing long career courses, all coming back with new skills and experiences that add to their ‘day job’”.
Anthony Coates, Co-Chair KPMG Forces in the Firm Network and ex-Army Major
Interested in the Special Forces? Join as a reserve.
