24 August 2023 – Expleo’s commitment to being an armed forces friendly employer continues with the launch of a new employee-facing Reservist Policy and confirmation that it has won silver status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
In 2022, Expleo signed the Armed Forces Covenant and became a member of the ERS, pledging to become an armed forces friendly employer. The company quickly achieved Bronze-level status and now, with the launch of its new Reservist Policy, has progressed to Silver Award status.
Since 2013, thousands of companies have pledged their support to the armed forces community in the UK by signing the covenant and pledging to eliminate disadvantages in the workplace for veterans and service people.
As a long-time champion of hiring ex-forces personnel, Expleo has actively recruited dozens of talented veterans over the years and has now taken a significant next step with the launch of its Reservist Policy.
Andy Swingler, Resource and Capability Manager, Expleo, explains why this is so important: “Reservists are subject to being called up and look for employers that are flexible and understanding of this need. Sometimes they require time off for training too, to maintain their skills in readiness for deployment. Very often, this training is of great benefit to Reservists in their corporate role, so it makes a lot of sense for Expleo to create an environment where the needs of Reservists are acknowledged and proactively supported.
He added: “The new policy sets out a framework for the company and the Reservists we employ to navigate requests for time off for training, as well as covering mobilisation, should it be needed.”
Commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant
Developing a Reservist Policy is a core part of becoming an armed forces-friendly employer and one of the key actions Expleo signed up to under the Covenant, which includes commitments to:
- Recognising the value service leavers and veterans bring to the business
- Supporting reservists, military spouses/partners, cadets and cadet leaders through a flexible leave policy that enables training and deployment
- Recognising candidates’ military skills and qualifications in its recruitment and selection process
- Working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to support the employment of service leavers
- Promoting Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day, the Poppy Appeal and remembrance activities
