Armed Forces Covenant

Espanaro supports the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring fair treatment for serving and former military personnel and their families.

Our Armed Forces fulfil the responsibility for defence of the realm on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect, support, and fair treatment.

The Armed Forces community consists of veterans, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) and the spouses of serving Armed Forces personnel. A large number of our employees are members of this community and we provide commitment and support to them through our Reserve and Cadet Forces Policy. We ask that you sign the covenant and pledge to do the same.

The Armed Forces community can contribute real value to a business, both as employees, who bring a wealth of skills and experience, and as customers. The Armed Forces Covenant encourages the Armed Forces community to do their bit to nurture this two-way relationship. It is important that Defence seeks to foster an open and honest relationship with employers whilst ensuring that the needs of companies are considered alongside those of the Armed Forces community. Members of the Armed Forces community are asked to declare themselves as such and build an open relationship with their employer. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to support business needs, including the provision of training and support to those leaving the Armed Forces as they transition to employment in civilian life.

Businesses can support the Armed Forces community by:

Working with the Career Transition Partnership, a high quality, no cost recruitment service for organisations seeking highly motivated and experienced veterans who are leaving the Armed Forces.
Implementing guaranteed interview schemes for veterans.
Supporting the employment, where appropriate, of wounded, injured or sick veterans.
Recognising military skills and qualifications when interviewing for new positions.
Holding briefing days specifically for those leaving the Armed Forces, as a way to raise awareness of the opportunities for employment in your business.

Businesses can support their Armed Forces community employees by:

Offering guaranteed interviews for members of the Armed Forces community and ex-cadets.
Accommodating reservists’ training commitments wherever possible. This is normally a number of weekends and a two-week training camp each year.
Accommodating mobilisation of reservists if they are required to deploy. This would generally be for a six-month deployed period as well as pre-deployment training and post-deployment recuperation. If required, Forces are structured to sustain one deployment every three to five years.
Encouraging employees to be cadet helpers or instructors.
Making company facilities and premises available for the use of the cadets.
Offering support or sponsorship, either in cash or kind, to local cadet units. (Please contact your local Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for more information on opportunities for sponsorship).

Please visit the Armed Forces Covenant website for more information and how to pledge.

Guidance and Support is also available.