Employer Engagement

Championing the Armed Forces within the Business Community

Wessex RFCA, Employer Engagement team plays a key role in building and maintaining strong relationships between employers and the Armed Forces community across the South West of England. The team work closely with public and private sector organisations to foster understanding, encourage support, and promote the value of employing Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), veterans and the wider Armed Forces community.

Supporting Reservists and the Armed Forces Community

Reservists bring a wealth of transferable skills to the workplace, including leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and resilience. Our team works with employers to help them recognise the benefits of employing Reservists and to support them in developing Armed Forces-friendly policies.

We also offer tailored guidance on managing the practical aspects of employing Reservists, such as training commitments and mobilisation, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.

Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a voluntary pledge that demonstrates an employer’s commitment to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and with respect. By signing the Covenant, employers recognise the unique skills, values and experience that serving personnel, veterans and military families bring to the workplace, and commit to removing disadvantage where it exists. For employers across the South West, the Covenant provides a practical framework to strengthen recruitment, retention and workforce resilience, while visibly demonstrating corporate social responsibility and community leadership. Wessex RFCA works closely with employers to support Covenant commitments, helping organisations translate intent into meaningful action that benefits both their business and the wider Armed Forces community.

Wessex RFCA

Wessex RFCA actively promotes support for the cadet movement — including the Sea Cadets, Combined Cadet Force, Army Cadet Force, and RAF Air Cadets. We help employers understand how they can support cadet units through sponsorship, skills-sharing, and volunteering opportunities.

By supporting Cadet Force Adult Volunteers within their workforce, employers directly contribute to youth development and community engagement.

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS)

One of our key responsibilities is delivering the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which recognises employers that demonstrate support for the Armed Forces. From the entry-level Bronze Award to the prestigious Gold Award, we guide organisations through the process, offering practical advice on how to meet the criteria and showcase their commitment.

Building Partnerships that Make a Difference

Our engagement work extends beyond individual businesses. We collaborate with local authorities, emergency services, universities, NHS trusts, and major employers across the region to champion Armed Forces-friendly practices and ensure long-term, meaningful support for the military community.

Whether you’re a small business or a large organisation, our Employer Engagement team is here to help you make a real difference. By working with us, you not only strengthen your workforce but also demonstrate your commitment to those who serve our country — past, present, and future.

Our team includes dedicated Defence Relationship Managers who:

  • Build relationships with local employers.
  • Help organisations sign and uphold the Armed Forces Covenant.
  • Guide employers through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
  • Promote the value that Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers bring to the workforce—such as leadership, resilience, and teamwork.
  • Support and enable employers to build strong links with local Cadet and Reserve units, providing tangible value.

This collaboration benefits communities by strengthening the link between civilian life and the Armed Forces, ensuring Reservists and Cadets are supported both in uniform and in the workplace.

To find out more about supporting the Armed Forces community in the workplace, speak to;

For more about the Covenant and what it means for you, contact;

Jon Beake, Defence Relationship Manager; wx-reed@rfca.mod.uk

Emily Kadoch, Defence Relationship Manager; wx-reed2@rfca.mod.uk