Compass has already held the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme award for five years for its work in this area. The business has expanded its pledge over this time to widen support to military spouses, partners and dependants.
Mills said: “Supporting our employees who are part of the Armed Forces community is a real honour and we are proud to have so many veterans, reservists, cadets and spouses in our business. I am delighted that we have re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant today, which sees us strengthen our commitments to the Armed Forces community both within and outside of our business.”
It is estimated that over 1,000 of Compass’ employees are part of the Armed Forces community and this number continues to grow. As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, the updated pledges the company has made includes:
- Spouses – enhanced support through the commitment to endeavour to re-deploy military spouses to an alternative role internally on notification of posting; providing an additional day leave to support with pre-post deployments
- Military Families – introduction of military dependant’s days – working in partnership with clients providing families with days out at high profile venues
- Recruitment of veterans – enhancing support for those leaving the military, through access to webinars, guidance and work placements
- Ongoing support to its Reservists through the provision of ten days leave to support with the training
- Widening partnerships with key military charities and recruitment partners – Forces Families Jobs, Career Transition Partnership, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Naval Families Federation, The White Ensign and SSAFA
Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE, Royal Navy added: “Thank you to Compass for all that you do for the serving community. It has been a real privilege to be here today and I am delighted to see that Compass is not only continuing to support the Armed Forces Covenant but increasing its commitment even further.”