How working with the armed forces is benefiting business

Harborough District Council hosted the ‘Joining Forces’ event at the Harborough Innovation Centre on 16 March 2020 encouraging businesses and organisations to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant and build their reputations as forces-friendly employers.

It was also raising awareness of the diversity of the forces’ community as a recruitment source with reservists and veterans bringing a variety of transferable skills and qualities to the civilian workplace, developed throughout their military careers.

The ‘Joining Forces’ event was also a chance for businesses to learn about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which acknowledges employers who are providing exceptional support to veterans, serving personnel, reservists and family members of those in the armed forces.  Those businesses which are successful in achieving bronze, silver and gold awards, as part of this scheme, can gain access to free leadership and development courses to help enhance the skills of their staff.

Cllr Rani Mahal (pictured front centre), Harborough District Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “This event was a great opportunity for employers to understand the strength and wealth of skills that the armed forces community can bring along as employees, and I’d like to thank everyone who came and supported the event with such enthusiasm.”

If your business or organisation is interested in signing the covenant contact the Council at armedforces@harbororugh.gov.uk 

To find out more about our the work Harborough District Council is doing with to support the armed forces community visit www.harborough.gov.uk/armedforces  

For more details on What the Armed Forces Covenant means for businesses visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/corporate-covenant-guidance