Honoring Our Heroes: ProGen Signs the Armed Forces Covenant
We recognise that this duty extends beyond the individual; military families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Naval Service, Army, and Royal Air Force.
That is why we are proud to announce that we have officially signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC).
By signing this enduring covenant, we are joining the people of the United Kingdom and His Majesty’s Government in a moral obligation to those who serve. Our goal is simple: to ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families, face no disadvantage in our community.
Our Commitment
We aren’t just signing a piece of paper; we are implementing plans to support the Armed Forces community:
- We offer guaranteed interviews for veterans who meet the minimum criteria for a role. We also ensure that military training, qualifications, and experience are fully recognised and accounted for during our recruitment process.
- We understand the dedication required to be a reservist. To support this, we offer 10 days of paid leave specifically for reservist training.
- When a military partner is deployed or must relocate, we offer flexibility, such as remote work options, to their spouses and partners.
- Transitioning to civilian life can be a challenge. We pair new veteran employees with senior staff or fellow veterans to act as mentors.
Addressing the Challenges of Transition
While veterans bring unparalleled leadership and technical skills, we recognise that the transition to civilian employment often involves significant hurdles. Research shows that veterans frequently face unique disadvantages in the workplace, including:
- Military qualifications and jargon do not always translate clearly to civilian recruiters, often leading to highly skilled individuals being overlooked for roles they are overqualified for.
- Time spent on deployment can be misperceived as a gap in “relevant” commercial experience, despite the intense management and problem-solving skills developed during service.
- Moving from a structured, mission-driven military environment to a corporate setting can be jarring without the right internal support systems.
Looking Forward
We recognise the contribution that Service personnel, reservists, veterans, and the cadet movement make to our organisation and the country. Special consideration is appropriate for those who have given the most, and we are committed to providing it.
We will continue to publicise these commitments and invite feedback from the Armed Forces community and our customers on how we are doing.
