Build the Foundation: Key tips for employers just starting out

Whether you’re just starting to explore the benefits of employing veterans or aiming for the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, you’re in the right place. We’ve created a straightforward, step-by-step checklist to guide you on your journey to becoming a truly Forces Friendly Employer.

Hiring members of the Armed Forces community means welcoming exceptional talent into your team. Their skills, resilience, and real-world experience can give your organisation a powerful edge. Here’s how to take meaningful action and show your commitment to supporting those who’ve served.

1. Sign the Armed Forces Covenant

  • Show your commitment by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, a public promise to support those who serve, have served, and their families. It’s your first key step toward formal recognition and an opportunity to outline how your organisation will actively support veterans, reservists, military spouses/partners, and cadet force adult volunteers. But remember, this isn’t just a box-ticking exercise! Your pledge should be backed by real, meaningful actions that make a difference.

2. Work Towards the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS)

  • Benefits include enhanced reputation, access to Defence networks, and recruitment support. Start at Bronze level and work up to Silver and aim for Gold!

3. Build a Forces-Friendly Workplace Culture

  • To foster awareness and inclusion, appoint an Armed Forces Champion who can lead these efforts within your organisation. Celebrate key military dates such as Armed Forces Day and Reserves Day to show your support and appreciation. It’s also important to raise awareness among staff about the value of military experience and the challenges veterans may face during their transition to civilian life. Share veteran success stories and highlight the impact of your support by showcasing case studies on your website and social media platforms. Celebrating these stories not only honors the individuals involved but also serves to inspire other employers to follow your example.

4. Offer Flexible and Supportive Working Practices

  • Support for the Armed Forces community can be strengthened by allowing paid or unpaid leave for reservist training and mobilisation, recognising the importance of their service. Additionally, it’s essential to be understanding of the unique challenges faced by military spouses or partners, such as frequent relocations and the responsibilities of solo parenting. Encouraging line managers to accommodate these needs with sensitivity and practical solutions helps create an inclusive and supportive work environment for those connected to the military.

5. Tailor Recruitment and Onboarding

  • To make your recruitment process more accessible to the Armed Forces community, begin by translating military qualifications and roles into language that aligns with civilian job descriptions, helping veterans better understand how their skills apply to your organisation. Where possible, offer guaranteed interviews for veterans or military spouses to demonstrate your commitment to supporting their transition into civilian employment. Additionally, promote your vacancies through forces-friendly channels such as SaluteMyJob and Troopr to reach a wider pool of qualified candidates from the military community.

6. Support Career Development and prioritise wellbeing

  • To support the successful integration of veterans into your workforce, provide mentoring and buddy schemes to help new hires adjust to the civilian workplace. Offer training opportunities to bridge any skills gaps and encourage long-term career growth. Recognise that many ex-Forces candidates bring valuable qualities such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. At the same time, it’s important to understand that some may face unique wellbeing challenges. Promote a culture of openness and support, and ensure staff are aware of specialist services available to them, such as Op COURAGE (NHS veterans mental health support), Combat Stress, SSAFA, and Help for Heroes.

Would you like find out more about how we can help you turn your pledges into action? Email charlie@salutemyjob.com