Sodexo has worked with the British military for over 30 years delivering services to support the entire Armed Forces community.
Yesterday marked the beginning of the celebrations in the lead up to Armed Forces Day (29 June), and Sodexo will be encouraging its employees to register their interest in joining the network. The purpose of the network is for employees to share their experiences of the Armed Forces and to receive the necessary support they need.
Paul Anstey, chief executive at Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “This is an important week and one our teams respect and work hard to support our clients in the defence sector and the entire Armed Forces community.
“This year we will be supporting the national event in Salisbury with a team from our Allenby Connaught contract supporting SSAFA’s Big Brew Up providing refreshments to guests to the national event between Friday 28 and Sunday 30 June.
“This week is the perfect time for us to kick-start our network, we want to ensure we are doing all we can to attract ex-service personnel to our business and to support those we already employ. I am looking forward to seeing the network grow within Government & Agencies and the wider Sodexo business.”
In 2017 Sodexo was awarded the Gold Employer Recognition Award by the ministry of defence in recognition of the company’s commitment and efforts to support the entire Armed Force community. These policies included the positive recruitment of ex-military personnel and a flexible approach to granting leave for employees, which are members of the Reserves.
Jamie Thomas, account manager at Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “I am extremely proud of my military career which spanned 24 years including roles from chef to catering manager, environmental health, training analyst through to RCWO and ending as a DO and contract officer.
“I was a little apprehensive about leaving the military but found the transition extremely easy. The leadership and values I gained from my diverse military career allows me to work within a familiar and unfamiliar context and most important the ability to inspire people to be the best they can be.
“As ex-military never underestimate that the value you bring to the private sector. The foundation and total understanding of the importance of the team will make you stand out from the crowd as a true leader.”