Employer Engagement is an important part of achieving Defence objectives. It is the main activity required to develop and sustain strong, positive, mutually-beneficial relationships between employers and the Ministry of Defence, to support Armed Forces personnel before, during and after their service.
The Ministry of Defence employer engagement programme aims to support the delivery of 35,000 effective and capable Reservists.
The strategic priority has been to secure and sustain access to and availability of the skilled, capable people needed to deliver Defence outputs.
Our activities work towards three principal objectives:
East Midlands RFCA supports over 2200 Reservists and engages with over 3000 active employer contacts, providing information, guidance and advice on all matters relating to Defence personnel including:
Bruce Spencer, East Midlands Regional Employer Engagement Director
Tel: 0115 924 8627 Email: em-enquiries@rfca.mod.uk
Cat Suckling, East Midlands Assistant Regional Employer Engagement Director
Tel: 0115 924 8622 Email: em-enquiries@rfca.mod.uk
Or for any general enquiries: em-enquiries@rfca.mod.uk
Employing Reservists
“Whitehouse Construction proactively supports the Armed Forces Community and are always seeking to use the skills of veterans, serving personnel and their families in the organisation.
- Director Robert Ewart-Sear from Whitehouse Construction
“The Club was delighted to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. We have always had a strong relationship with the Royal Air Force and the Army and so it was perfectly natural for us to sign. We hope to strengthen our bond with the services and with the men and women that serve our country.”
- Managing Director Kevin Cooke from Lincoln City Football Club
“We are delighted to support our staff who are Reservists. They can gain specialist skills through their roles in the Armed Forces which are beneficial to our business"
- Stella Salt, HR Manager at Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
“The opportunity to visit Royal Marine Reservists in Norway was truly inspiring. I have always had an admiration for those who dedicate their lives to serving our country, but to see the camaraderie, determination, leadership and teamwork that is displayed in minus 15 degree conditions, was amazing."
- Damien West from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
“I understand the value of Reservists in the work place. In my experience the Reservists at ITB Fabrications have been disciplined individuals who have a ‘can do’ attitude."
- Ian Barnett, Managing Director at ITB Fabrications
"Skills such as leadership, problem-solving, decision making, communication and team building enhanced through Armed Forces training programmes, we believe are an excellent asset to our organisation."
- Linda Houtby, Principal at Grantham College
November 25th 2020
Financial Advisor describes his first year training as an Army ReserveGunner (Gnr) Harry Townsend provides a first-person view on his first year with 103 Regiment Royal Artillery, Hucknall, the reasons he chose the Army Reserve, and why he hasn’t looked back since.
Read the full story →October 15th 2020
Gold ERS Awards demonstrate that the Health sector and the Armed Forces are natural alliesRecent events have clearly demonstrated the ways in which the Health sector and the Armed Forces can work together to achieve common goals. But before Covid, the relationship was already thriving.
Read the full story →September 28th 2020
East Midlands education sector gives a lesson in supporting the Armed Forces communityWith 6 local education sector institutions recently receiving a Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award, and one achieving the prestigious Gold Award, the East Midlands is demonstrating how Education and Defence can achieve powerful results through working together.
Read the full story →September 3rd 2020
Boost for service personnel as the Priory Group signs Armed Forces CovenantThe Priory Group has signed the Armed Forces Covenant in a virtual ceremony, demonstrating its commitment to support veterans, Reservists and their families currently in employment.
Read the full story →
August 19th 2020
New Regional Employer Engagement Director for East Midlands RFCAMajor Bruce Spencer has joined the East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) as Regional Employer Engagement Director, taking over the role from the recently retired John Wilson, who was in post for over 20 years.
Read the full story →