Compass Group has again achieved 'Gold scheme' status from the UK Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme following a revalidation by the Defence Relationship Management Team.
The Gold commendation reflects the organisation's work in supporting veterans, reservists, cadets and military families in its business.
Compass signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2016, securing gold in 2018.
The award is reviewed every 5 years, to ensure companies are meeting the commitments they made when they signed the Covenant.
The caterer has recently updated its pledges in relation to the Armed Forces Covenant to include military spouses and military families to include:
Camilla Howard, Chair of Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Armed Forces Committee, says: “It’s wonderful that our ongoing work to support veterans and those from the wider armed forces community in our business has been recognised with our Gold award being re-validated.
“We are so proud of all the work we do in this area.
We believe that those from the Armed Forces community are a huge asset to our business.
Whether it be supporting spouses with deployments, who are often trying to build their own career, as well as managing home life on their own; or supporting veterans adjusting to the civilian world and often looking to enter the job market for the first time; or giving reservists the time they need for training; we want to ensure our people are supported at the times they need it most.
Phil Marks, National Account Manager, Defence Relationship Management, adds: “Since the very beginning I have worked with the most dedicated people at Compass from those in the Forces network to those on the Board who sponsor this programme.
All have supported the Defence Family, employing many Service leavers and Veterans, supporting our Reserves by granting an additional 10 days paid leave, developing a standout Spouse and Partners policy and supporting their Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
“Additionally, Compass has supported finding guest speakers for Defence employer events, supporting my Regional colleagues, mentoring organisations with ambitions to achieve ERS Gold, attending career fairs and attending many Defence Engagement events.
“Working with Compass has been a pleasure, from the very beginning they have strived to enhance, improve and develop their polices supporting the Defence family and I look forward to working with them in 2024 and their continued support.”
