GC Military Veteran & Reservist EDI Network
This network gives colleagues across our organisation who’ve served in the Armed Forces, and their families, the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and allies who have similar lived experiences.
Our colleagues’ time within the military often plays a momentous time in their lives. These role of a member of the Armed Forces is often challenging and dangerous, the nature of the role means veterans & reservists often have life experience unlike those of anyone else and this should be taken in to consideration. Veterans & Reservists offer a unique skill and mind set and acquire a multitude of skills and techniques through their time in the Armed Forces which when allowed to foster can be hugely beneficial to an organisation.
GC has joined the Armed Forces Covenant. It’s a pledge which ensures no member of the Armed Forces community is unfairly treated, or left disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives.
As an organisation, we recognise the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families bring to our business, and to the businesses and communities we serve across the UK. As part of our commitment, we have pledged to:
- Raise awareness among our colleagues and create focused training for colleagues who directly support veterans and those transitioning from the Armed Forces.
- Continue offering mental health support to colleagues.
- Build relationships with local communities.
- Review and improve policies relating to reservists and extend our support to family and dependants of Armed Forces personnel.
- Attract veterans to work forGC by looking at guaranteed interview schemes for ex-Armed Forces, advertising vacancies through the Resettlement Programme and promoting The Growth Company as an Armed Forces friendly organisation.
- Promote and offer our suite of cross-group products and services to those who are leaving the Armed Forces – including support with starting their own business, access to training and qualifications, employability support, and transition support (such as help with budgeting, cooking and finding accommodation).
We’ve also achieved the ‘Silver Award’ in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which further reinforces our commitment to supporting ex-Armed Forces personnel, while encouraging other businesses we work with to do the same.
To be an ally, you do not have to have served, you could be a spouse, partner, brother, mother, colleague or even just someone who recognises and supports the work the Armed Forces do at home and abroad.
Upcoming Campaign activity
Join our Walking with the Wounded fundraising walk
GC's Veterans & Reservists EDI Network are collaborating with Walking with the Wounded (WWTW), who provide employment, care, housing and mental health support to those who have served in the Armed Forces, on their Longest Day Challenge to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
D-Day, 6th June 1944, marked the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. It was a massive amphibious assault involving British, American, Canadian, and other Allied forces. The operation aimed to establish a Western front against Nazi Germany, liberate France, and ultimately defeat Hitler's regime.
D-Day's success turned the tide of the war in Europe, leading to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. For Britain, it secured a crucial foothold on the continent and marked a significant step towards victory in the war.
Following the success of the network’s previous fundraising efforts for Walking with the Wounded in 2022, where the team raised over £1,500 for WWTW, they aim to surpass their previous efforts this time round.
Organised by Co-Chair of the Veterans & Reservists EDI Network, Nick Williams, they'll undertake a fundraising walk across Manchester on Thursday 27th of June on the run-up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29th June.
Full details for the event will be published in the coming weeks, along with a calendar invite. In the meantime, if you wish to take part, please email nicholas.williams@midas.org.uk.
If you'd like to donate, here's the link to GC's fundraising page for the event.
Recent Campaign activity
GC Reverent Remembrance Day Service - 10th November 2023
To mark Remembrance Day (also known as Armistice Day) on Friday 10th November, the GC Veterans & Reservists EDI Network (hosted by Nick Williams), paid tribute to the brave service personnel who have sacrificed so much for our nation. The service was led by Rabbi Navad – Military Padre for 156 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps. Following the service there was a short presentation from the Employer Engagement Officer for the North West, Major AJ Sandle who discussed the benefits of hiring veterans and reservists and discussed inclusive hiring policies.
More information
To find out more about the Veterans & Reservists Network, or to join as a member, email militaryveteranandreservistsnetwork@growthco.uk.