RSA is pleased to announce it has become a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant is a government-backed scheme that advocates for the unique needs of those within the Armed Forces Community, ensuring employers create environments in which all those who serve, have served and/or have serving family members are understood, treated fairly, and supported to thrive.
The signing also marks the launch of an RSA Armed Forces Employee Resource Group (ERG), co-chaired by Ian Dawes, who currently serves as an Army Reservist Lieutenant in the Royal Corps of Signals, and Victoria Bauling, a military veteran who served six years in the Army Intelligence Corps as both a Regular and Reservist. The RSA Armed Forces ERG is an open group for all those affiliated with the Armed Forces and for those interested in the impact and challenges this community can sometimes face. It will lead in internal policy development and guidance, shaping recruitment practices, and championing the causes and needs of Armed Forces affiliated colleagues.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that all members of the Armed Forces Community are treated fairly. Businesses can signal their recognition of service by signing the Covenant. Signatories commit to being flexible to the unique situations of the wider Armed Forces community, ensuring fair and appropriate treatment to all who are involved, including the spouses and partners, and cadet force adult volunteers. It distinguishes employers who actively seek to support those impacted to ensure they get the best from their employees.
The RSA Armed Forces ERG will drive the fulfilment of pledges RSA has made in signing the Covenant and encourage members and allies of the military community to come forward and join the ERG.
Ian Dawes, Co-chair RSA Armed Forces ERG, Army Reservist Lieutenant, and Project Manager at RSA said:
“We’re delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which acts as an important conduit between the civilian and military spheres. It marks a significant milestone in our understanding of this extended community and recognises the extraordinary contribution of those involved in military duty.
“By signing the Covenant, we’re proving our commitment to support the Armed Forces community, ensuring we have the right people in place to create ongoing guidance and policy for families, partners, veterans, and those serving. I’m proud RSA is a military friendly employer, with a supportive and enabling environment for the armed forces community.”
Peter Germain, Greater London Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association, said:
“When an organisation commits to signing the Armed Forces Covenant it speaks volumes about the value they attach to the skills, experience and character that members of the armed forces community can bring to their organisation.”
ENDS
Enquiries:
Maria Bird
+44 (0)77551138389
maria.bird@uk.rsagroup.com
Notes to editors
About The Armed Forces Covenant
To those who protect our nation, who do so with honour, courage, and commitment, the Armed Forces Covenant is the nation’s commitment to them. It is a pledge that together to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
The Covenant focuses on helping members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen. The Covenant supports serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, and their families, and is fulfilled by the different groups that have committed to making a difference. If you are a member of the armed forces, a veteran, or a family member, the Armed Forces Covenant offers a wide variety of support to ensure you are being treated fairly.
About RSA Insurance
RSA Insurance is a multinational insurance group. We are one of the world’s oldest general insurers, providing peace of mind to individuals and protecting small businesses and large organisations from uncertainty. We use our capabilities to anticipate and improve outcomes for customers via our direct channel, our broker relationships or partner organisations. We have established businesses in the UK, Ireland continental Europe and in the Middle East. In 2021, the former RSA Group Plc came under new ownership and is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intact Financial Corporation.
For more information about RSA Insurance, please visit https://www.rsainsurance.co.uk/