Speedy signs up to support army veterans

(Centre left) Colonel Paul Gilby, Ministry of Defence representative, with (centre right) Ellie Armour at the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.

UK-based rental company Speedy has signed the UK Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant.

Described as the “nation’s commitment”, the covenant is a pledge that recognises the service that members of the armed forces community have made to the country.

Signatories promise to help ensure army veterans and their families are both treated fairly and have equal access to private and public sector services and products. 

Speedy’s HR director, Ellie Armour, signed the agreement on behalf of the company at its national support centre in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

Armour said, “Signing this covenant formalises the respect we have for those that come from armed forces backgrounds and underlines our commitment to supporting them in developing their future careers.”

A number of veterans already employed by Speedy were present to witness the signing, which was co-signed by Ministry of Defence representative Colonel Paul Gilby.

“Construction services and the armed forces share many complimentary skill sets”, said Colonel Gilby.

“It’s excellent to have Speedy’s support with the covenant. The company shows clear intent to help veterans across the country to build successful careers as they transition away from the military.”

As part of its commitment, Speedy will create a “tailored employment pathway” for ex-service personnel, which recognises the military skills and qualifications they have achieved.

The construction sector provider said it would work with the Career Transition Partnership - a not-for-profit service - to help veterans find work after they’ve left the armed forces. 

Armour said, “Our veteran colleagues enrich our business with the training and skills they developed while serving their country, from project management to driving heavy goods vehicles, and we recognise our duty as a major employer to give back to armed forces communities nationwide.”

Speedy will also support those employees who have family members serving in the armed forces. 

This includes providing paid leave to employees who’s loved ones are lost or injured in the line of duty and “sympathetically reviewing requests for leave surrounding partners’ overseas deployment”.

Richard Crane, veteran and Area Manager at Lloyds British a Speedy company, said, “Speedy and Lloyds British recognise the transferable skills that service personnel bring with them to the company, demonstrating great awareness of the nuances that come from service life – from communicating in military-speak to understanding personal circumstances that can impact individuals.

“It’s fantastic to see such a renewed focus on how the company can best support its veterans sparked by the signing of this covenant.”