The AFC was introduced by the Ministry of Defence in 2014 and is used across the country for businesses to pledge their support to the Armed Forces family. The organisations who hold an AFC recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to their business and our country.

Bobby Singh, co-founder of Love Your Postcode Ltd, offering all the services of a local estate agency but with a modern result led approach. He said “I am absolutely humbled to be the 500th signee of the Armed Forces Covenant. I have a massive amount of respect for those who serve and who have served. They deserve our respect and support. We would encourage more organisations to sign up and show your support.”

The type of pledges made vary from endeavouring to work with free recruitment agencies to promote vacancies to service leavers, supporting existing staff to become Reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and promoting the fact the organisation is Forces Friendly. Whether you are a small or large organisation there are ways you can support the Armed Forces family and the Armed Forces can support you.

Bobby Birdi, Regional Employer Engagement Director said “The Armed Forces Covenant is a great way for organisations to publically show their support to the Armed Forces Community. Businesses are benefiting greatly from employing people with an array of skills gained from military service. We are delighted that so many employers have already publically shown their support and we encourage others to do the same.”

The wealth of skills acquired by people during their time in the Armed Forces, whether through Regular or Reserve service, has tangible benefits to business. Through training characteristics such as leadership, planning, decision making, flexibility and communication are identified and enhanced, resulting in the ability to work effectively within diverse teams, operating under pressure and providing a high level of responsibility, independence and self-discipline.

Organisations can enhance their support and work their way up through the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Awards. This support for the Armed Forces makes such a difference to the way the Ministry of Defence and civilian organisations work together and for organisations on the Awards scheme it means they are able to access the menu of benefits as a way of a thank you https://ersmenuofbenefits.com/

On behalf of the West Midland RFCA, a sincere thank you to the 500 plus regional organisations who have now signed the AFC. If you would like to find out more about how your organisation can sign the AFC – contact the West Midland RFCA Employer Engagement Team on wm-eeao@rfca.mod.uk or 0121 274 2225.

Further information www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk