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Employer Engagement

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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.

Objectives

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:

  • Raising awareness of Armed Forces personnel
  • Establishing new relationships with employers
  • Sustaining current relationships

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:

  • How to develop a Reservist HR policy
  • Information on Reservists’ training obligations
  • The potential benefits of employing Reservists
  • Employers’ legal rights and responsibilities
  • Financial assistance when a Reservist employee is mobilised
  • Providing feedback comments to the MOD

For advice or information contact:

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

Employers Visit MTMC

A group of East Midlands employers visited the Mission Training and Mobilisation Centre at Chetwynd Barracks.

Silver Employer Recognition Awards event 2017

21 public and private sector businesses were recognised for the support they have given to members of their teams who serve or have previously served our country at an event in November.

Executive Leader 2017

Exercise Executive Leader took place at Chetwynd Barracks in Nottingham on 20 September and included presentations and syndicate discussions on the theory of leadership, followed by some practical problem solving activities outdoors.

162 Regiment leadership event at The University of Nottingham

A leadership event hosted by the Army's 162 Regiment took place at The University of Nottingham in August 2017.

Behind the wire at Chetwynd Barracks

More than 50 representatives from local employers experienced a unique visit to a specialist Army training facility, normally out of reach to members of the public, in July 2017.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust sign Armed Forces Covenant

The Trust pledged its support to military personnel past and present by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Nottingham City Transport support Reserves Day

Nottingham City Transport supported Reserves Day this year by allowing its employees to wear their military uniforms in to their civilian workplace on 21 June.

Raising a flag in Nottinghamshire

A flag was raised at County Hall in West Bridgford to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week 2017.

Nottinghamshire County Council support Reserves Day

Reserves Day 2017 took place on 21 June and an event was organised outside County Hall to show support to the Armed Forces.

Employers visit RAF Waddington

Employers went for a behind the scenes look at life as a reservist at RAF Waddington.

Travis Perkins sign the Armed Forces Covenant

Leicester Hospitals Trust enjoy a team-building day with the Army Reserve

A team from the University Hospitals of Leicester have taken part in an away day with the Army Reserve at Kendrew Barracks.

Exercise Executive Stretch 2016

Nine organisations from across the East Midlands sent employees to take part in leadership training and activities designed to develop their management, communication and problem solving skills.

Employing reservists in small businesses

Eddie Mewies from M-EC in Leicestershire describes the benefits of employing reservists.

Gold award for Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has received a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award.

M-EC activity day hosted by the Army Reserve

A number of employees from a Leicestershire-based business took part in a military-themed activity event in September 2015 to learn more about life as a Reservist.

Employers experience a ‘behind the wire’ training experience

More than 70 employers took part in a ‘behind the wire’ tour of an Army Training Centre at Chetwynd Barracks to give them an insight into training activities undertaken by members of the Reserve Forces.

Jordan Flint from MEC talks about the benefits of employing Reservists.

M-EC currently employ a number of Reservists and explain how doing so is beneficial to their business

“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

Employers: What's Going On?

Gnr Townsend

November 25th 2020

Financial Advisor describes his first year training as an Army Reserve

Gunner (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.

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Major Angela Laycock planning the NHS Nightingale hospital at Birmingham NEC

October 15th 2020

Gold ERS Awards demonstrate that the Health sector and the Armed Forces are natural allies

Recent 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.

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Graduating students

September 28th 2020

East Midlands education sector gives a lesson in supporting the Armed Forces community

With 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.

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The Priory Group AFC signing

September 3rd 2020

Boost for service personnel as the Priory Group signs Armed Forces Covenant

The 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.

 

 

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August 19th 2020

New Regional Employer Engagement Director for East Midlands RFCA Photo of Bruce Spencer

Major 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.

 

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