Scottish Water has pledged its commitment to supporting serving and former military personnel and their families.
Director for People Shirley Campbell signed the Armed Forces Covenant at the organisation’s Castle House site in Dunfermline. Lt Col Andrew Muddiman RM – the Chief of Staff at Rosyth – co-signed on behalf of the MoD.
The Covenant is a promise by the nation to those who serve or who have served their country that they will be treated fairly. To date more than 1500 organisations in the UK have signed it.
By signing the Covenant on 5 October, Scottish Water commits to being an employer that is Armed Forces-friendly. This means supporting former military personnel seeking career pathways in the water industry in Scotland to working with staff who are reservists.
Scottish Water also offers flexible support to those whose spouses serve in the military before, during and after a deployment.
Shirley Campbell said: “We recognise the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business.
“As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we have a network of support groups internally in Scottish Water and that includes one specifically for people who have a military link either past or present.
“Scottish Water takes seriously its commitment to being an employer of choice for those leaving armed service and providing tailored support to those who find themselves seeking a new career pathway. That support extends to families of military personnel and staff who are part-time reservists. We recognise that the training and experience gained in these roles can significantly enhance learning and development within the workplace.”
Lt Col Muddiman added: “The Covenant is an agreement between the nation and Scottish Water in respect of how Scottish Water as an employer is going to look after service people who may be seeking employment, their spouses and potentially reservists who may be on the payroll.
“Companies can benefit greatly from the transferable skills of those who have been in service. The types of vocational and leadership skills taught in the armed forces can be sought-after in the civilian workplace.
“Service people serve their country and there are many demands put up on them to move around and for their spouses this can mean disrupted employment patterns. Anything that companies can do assist with that is very welcome.”
More details on the covenant can be found here:
www.gov.uk/government/policies/armed-forces-covenant
You can view a video of the signing here
Lt Col Andrew Muddiman RM and Shirley Campbell of Scottish Water.
