Overwatch Recruitment & Consultancy Limited
We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.
The Armed Forces Covenant
An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families
The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.
Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.
This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.
Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant
1.1 We Overwatch Recruitment & Consultancy Limited will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment
2.1 Overwatch Recruitment & Consultancy Limited recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Reserve Forces Day
- Discounts
- Armed Forces Charities
- UK Wounded, Injured And Sick
We also pledge the following:
2.1.1 Recruitment and Employment Support Pledge Pledge Statement: We pledge to actively support the recruitment and employment of veterans, reservists, and military spouses by providing tailored recruitment services and job opportunities. We commit to offering priority consideration for all ex-forces personnel and those transitioning from active duty into civilian roles. Supporting Actions: o Offer a dedicated recruitment service for ex-forces candidates. o Provide flexible working conditions that cater to the needs of military spouses and reservists. o Maintain an internal policy that prioritizes ex-forces candidates for recruitment and placement. 2.1.2 Training and Career Development Pledge Pledge Statement: We pledge to support the career development of veterans and service leavers through on-going training, upskilling, and career coaching, helping them transition to civilian roles with confidence and success. Supporting Actions: o Partner with training organisations to offer career development programs specific to ex-forces personnel. o Provide mentorship programs within our company for veterans to ease their transi-tion into civilian careers. o Facilitate interview preparation and CV-building workshops for veterans and reserv-ists. 2.1.3 Consulting and Defence Support Pledge Pledge Statement: We pledge to work in close partnership with defence companies to ensure that the equip-ment and services we consult on are developed with a deep understanding of the needs of the UK Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. Supporting Actions: o Provide insights into how equipment and services can be better aligned with the re-al-world needs of service personnel. o Share feedback from veterans and ex-forces personnel on the use of military equipment, ensuring improvements and updates are informed by firsthand experi-ences. o Offer consulting services that consider the wellbeing of military personnel, helping defence companies improve their products in terms of usability, safety, and com-fort. 2.1.4 Veteran Wellbeing and Support Pledge Pledge Statement: We pledge to provide a supportive and understanding environment for veterans and their families, offering assistance with mental health support, social integration, and overall wellbeing as they transition to civilian life. Supporting Actions: o Ensure that all veterans and service leavers who work with our agency have access to wellbeing support programs, whether that be mental health services, peer groups, or counselling. o Promote mental health awareness and support within our company, encouraging a culture of openness and understanding around issues affecting veterans. o Partner with mental health charities or organizations that specialise in supporting veterans. 2.1.5 Flexibility for Reservists Pledge Pledge Statement: We pledge to support reservists in their civilian careers by offering flexible working ar-rangements that allow them to balance their service commitments with their professional responsibilities. Supporting Actions: o Provide flexible working hours or remote working options for reservists who may need to attend training or deploy for operations. o Allow reservists to take extended leave for mobilisation or training without penalis-ing them in their career progression. o Have a clear understanding and policy that recognises the unique needs and contri-butions of reservists. 2.1.6 Promoting Military-Civilian Integration Pledge Pledge Statement: We pledge to foster stronger integration between the military and civilian sectors by facili-tating mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration, ensuring veterans and current service members are empowered to thrive in both realms. Supporting Actions: o Encourage and facilitate knowledge sharing between our staff and military person-nel or veterans, promoting civilian-military understanding. o Organise events or networking opportunities to allow veterans to engage with de-fence industry leaders and other professionals from various sectors. o Actively encourage collaboration between the military, veteran organisations, and businesses in the civilian sector. 2.1.7 Recognition of Armed Forces Service Pledge Pledge Statement: We pledge to publicly recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of mili-tary personnel and veterans, both within our organisation and in the wider community. Supporting Actions: o Create awards or recognition programs within our company for veterans and serv-ing personnel. o Celebrate key military dates such as Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Day with public acknowledgment and events. o Showcase veteran employees success stories to inspire others and raise awareness of the valuable skills veterans bring to the workforce.
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.