15/07/2024
Flagship Group pledges fair treatment for armed forces with covenant commitment
Flagship Group’s director of people and culture Lisa Collen signs the Armed Forces Covenant alongside Gp Capt Fred Wigglesworth.
Flagship Group has reaffirmed its commitment to the armed forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The move sees the east of England’s largest housing provider pledge to treat current and former members of the armed forces, and their families, fairly.
Flagship’s director of people and culture Lisa Collen signed the covenant at the Royal Norfolk Show, along with Group Captain Fred Wigglesworth, Station Commander at RAF Marham.
Mrs Collen said: “We are honoured to support our servicepeople and their families through the Armed Forces Covenant, especially in relation to jobs and careers beyond their service to the country.
“This covenant is more than a commitment. It’s a promise to the armed forces community that we will strive to ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they have earned through their service.”
Group Captain Fred Wigglesworth, Station Commander at RAF Marham, speaks about the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant.
Group Captain Wigglesworth said: “It was a pleasure to countersign the Armed Forces Covenant pledge. It is truly reassuring to note that Flagship Group recognise and value the skills and qualities that members of the service family possess and acknowledge the significant contribution they provide to our country, our businesses, and our local communities.
“I would like to thank and congratulate Flagship Group for the commitment they have made today.”
To demonstrate its commitment to the armed forces, Flagship will undertake a range of actions including:
· Employment support: Recognising military skills and qualifications in recruitment, guaranteeing interviews for veterans and active service spouses/partners who meet essential criteria, and partnering with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) for service-leaver employment support.
· Support for service spouses and partners: Providing employment support and additional paid leave for active service spouses/partners before, during, and after deployment.
· Support for reservists: Granting additional paid leave for annual training, supporting mobilisations and deployments, and encouraging staff to become reservists.
· Support for cadet organisations: Offering additional paid leave for volunteer leaders in military cadet organisations and supporting local cadet units through sponsorship and training.
· Internal network: Establishing a dedicated network for employees who are veterans, reservists, or military family members, providing a platform for support, discussion, and new initiatives.
· National and charitable events: Actively participating in and supporting Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day, the Poppy Appeal, and Remembrance activities, as well as fundraising for armed forces charities.
· Commercial discounts: Offering a 10% discount on the Gasway Platinum Cover Plan for the first year to members of the armed forces community.
· Promotion: Flagship Group will actively promote its status as an armed forces-friendly organisation to staff, customers, and the wider public. This includes displaying the covenant logo on relevant materials and platforms.
Mrs Collen said: “Our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant is more than just words; it’s about action. By providing tangible support and job opportunities, we aim to create a positive impact on the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country.”
For more information about Flagship’s commitment to the armed forces, please email commsteam@flagship-group.co.uk.