News
June 23rd 2020
EMPLOYERS’ SUPPORT TO RESERVISTS ESSENTIAL DURING COVID 19
Major Darren Knight (left) in his Reserve role
Employers such as Pertemps have been putting their ‘money where their mouth is’, enabling Reservists to support the nation during the Covid 19 crisis.
Pertemps earned a Gold Employer Recognition Support Award from the Ministry of Defence in 2016 for their work in promoting the Armed Forces. The employers’ support which they, and many others, offer has been essential to enable Reserves to take up their required roles during Covid 19.
Major Darren Knight is employed by Pertemps as HM Armed Forces Liaison Manager, helping recruit service leavers, veterans, Reservists, and from the wider military community. With the full backing of Pertemps, Darren has taken a break from his usual business duties to take up his deployment as a Reservist. Darren is working in the Operations Centre at the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) in Westminster.
Darren explained: “102 Logistic Brigade HQ has 15 Army Staff Officers working on supporting Regional Test centres nationally. Each Regional Test Centre has affiliated Mobile Test Units which we are training and deploying where there is a need. I am grateful to Pertemps for supporting me in this initiative which, in turn, is supporting the national effort.”
Darren at work for Pertemps
Pertemps Managing Director, Kent Thompson, paid tribute to the role Darren is playing on behalf of the country, saying: “Since joining us in 2015, Darren has always put the needs of other before himself. I am not surprised to see him on the frontline doing what he does best – supporting those who need help the most. We send him our very best wishes at this time.”
Being a Reserve brings benefits to you and your employer
Darren’s usual Reserve role is as Officer Commanding, 203 (Loughborough) Transport Squadron, 158 Regiment RLC, where he is responsible for all personnel and equipment. Darren joined the Reserves 11 years ago, after 24 years of Regular Army service. Commenting on the benefits of being a Reserve, Darren said: “If you are thinking of joining as a Reserve, I’d say, do it! It brings enormous benefits to you as a person and to your employer.”
Pertemps is an Armed Forces Covenant signatory, which means they are committed to aiding the Armed Forces community through implementing HR policies, raising awareness and advocating for the Armed Forces.
For more information on how your company can provide employers’ support, visit the Armed Forces Covenant website.
For information on joining as a Reserve, read more here.
"I am grateful to Pertemps for supporting me in this initiative which, in turn, is supporting the national effort.” Darren Knight
