After several months of collating evidence and keeping our fingers crossed, VOS is proud to announce that we have been awarded the coveted Silver Award by the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.
This scheme publicly recognises employers’ efforts to support defence personnel issues, such as employing reservists and veterans, while encouraging others to do the same. There are three individual marks for each of the awards, bronze, silver and gold.
Out of our current staff, the majority are from a service background. We cover all three services (the RN being in the majority) and have several service spouses on the staff. One member of staff has a son in the army and we also support the excellent work of the cadet forces through our IoW staff member, Tony. As you can imagine there remains much friendly banter in the office around which service is in the lead!
Whilst we spend our time focused on UK veteran support, mental health help for veterans, and serving our communities in Portsmouth/Isle of Wight and beyond, it’s important to also recognise the value that employing veterans and their families brings to us as an organisation.
From our staff who were asked to comment on the application:
“The ‘service ethos’ within VOS is strong, there is a great team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly, with the same vision and drive to help the veteran community.”
“I have found it to be a supportive and flexible employer. VOS makes a real effort to adapt working patterns and requirements to take account of employees’ personal circumstances, while still maintaining delivery of crucial services to the local veterans’ community, even through the pandemic and lockdown restrictions.”
So, as ever, a happy veteran staff means a happy organisation and better output to those in need.
VOS is here to support veterans from the UK Armed Forces service, the Merchant Navy, and their partners. If you know a veteran (from any time of service), please pass our details along. If you’re a veteran or partner and are thinking about getting in touch, we would love to hear from you. Call us on 02392 731 767, visit one of our drop-ins, or email admin@vosuk.org.
