Brown Recycling Signs the Armed Forces Covenant

At Brown Recycling, supporting people and the local community has always been a core part of what we do. That’s why, we’re proud to have pledged our support to the Armed Forces Covenant, becoming one of over 13,000 organisations across the UK committed to supporting those who serve, or have served, in the British Armed Forces.

As a business who actively employees five former Armed Forces personnel, this pledge is not the beginning of our support for the Armed Forces community but a clear recognition of our longstanding commitment.

We have welcomed veterans into our workforce for many years and continue to recognise the valuable skills, experience and perspectives they bring to our business. Signing the Covenant reflects our belief that those who have served our country deserve fair opportunities, support and recognition as they transition into their civilian employment and careers.

The skills developed through military service are highly transferable and play an important role in helping us build a workplace founded on excellence, teamwork, integrity, accountability and innovation.

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that acknowledges and understands that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.

The Covenant has two principles:

• 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

As a signatory, Brown Recycling will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the two key principles of the Covenant and play our part in recognising the contribution made by the Armed Forces community.

Continuing to Support the Armed Forces

We have seen first-hand the positive contribution that ex-service personnel make across our business. Their experience, work ethic and commitment have helped strengthen our teams and support the high levels of service we deliver to our customers every day. That’s why we are proud to maintain a 99% on-time service delivery performance.

Andy Howe, Operations Director, said:

“We have a long history of taking on employees from the Armed Forces and have seen the first-hand skills and attributes they possess in terms of their professional attitude and dedication they bring to the workplace. Becoming signatories of the Covenant is a natural progression for us as a business. It formalises our existing support and demonstrates our appreciation to people who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their family members. We’re delighted to be one of 13,000 organisations across the UK who recognise and value their contributions but also ensuring they have access to career opportunities in their civilian lives.”

Looking Ahead

The business remains committed to actively supporting professional employee development and career growth of our team across every area of our business, helping ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Armed Forces Covenant provides a framework that will help us continue supporting serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families, whilst building on the positive work already taking place within our business.

Lastly, the pledge is a stepping stone for us to progress onto the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which recognises employers that demonstrate exceptional support for the Armed Forces community through a series of tiered Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

Further Guidance

For more information on the Covenant, visit the Government website.

If you been disadvantaged due to serving in the Armed Forces, please contact your Service Families Federation or email the Ministry of Defence Covenant at covenant-mailbox@mod.uk.