Mars UK's signing of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) demonstrates
their dedication to those who serve and have served in the UK's
armed forces. The signing ceremony was attended by Lt Col Tom
Spencer-Smith, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
and Defence's co-signatory of the Covenant, alongside
representatives from Mars UK. Reservists and members of the
organisation's Armed Forces Network also witnessed the
significant milestone for their company.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that those
who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their
families, are treated with fairness and respect in the
communities, economy and society in which they serve. Over 13,000
employers have signed the Covenant to date, recognising the value
that military personnel bring to civilian workplaces.
Luke Bellinger, Director of Strategic Sourcing at Mars and the
lead for Mars UK's Military Associate Resource Group, said:
Signing the Covenant marks an important step in reaffirming our
commitment as a business to building a supportive and inclusive
work environment. We recognise the unique skills, resilience, and
leadership qualities the armed forces community brings to the
civilian workforce. We take pride in being a workplace where both
current and former service members, and their families, can find
not only meaningful employment, but real opportunities for growth
and development.
Organisations that sign the Covenant also commit to supporting
reservist employees, by accommodating their training commitments
and mobilisation requirements. The reserve forces play a crucial
role in the UK's defence capability, with approximately 30,000
trained reservists across the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal
Air Force representing nearly 15% of the UK's military strength.
The government encourages all organisations to recognise the
value that military personnel bring to businesses and national
security. The Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations (RFCAs)
work with employers nationwide through initiatives to support
military personnel in the workplace, including the Defence
Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
