Harnessing the talent and skills of service leavers

With employers across the sector continuing to face recruitment challenges, CIMSPA COO Kay Simnett MCIMSPA explores why more organisations should reap the benefits of signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

At CIMSPA we are proud to have signed the UK Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment that reflects our deep respect and appreciation for those who serve in the UK armed forces. By doing so, we pledge to support service personnel, veterans and their families, ensuring that they have fair opportunities in civilian life. As an employer, we recognise the incredible value that members of the armed forces community bring to our workplace.

Supporting those who serve

The UK armed forces play a crucial role in safeguarding our country, and we recognise the sacrifices made by service members and their families. Whether it is time spent away from family, the challenges of transitioning to civilian employment or the need for flexible working arrangements, we understand the unique difficulties faced by those who serve.

By signing the covenant, we have reaffirmed our commitment to removing barriers and ensuring that members of the UK armed forces community receive equal access to employment, training and career development opportunities within our organisation. As an employer who is also a professional body, we feel it is important that we make this public commitment and encourage other employers in our sector to do the same.

Our commitments as an employer

Our pledge to the UK Armed Forces Covenant means we will actively:

• promote fair employment opportunities – we will provide equal consideration to veterans, reservists and military spouses when recruiting for roles within our organisation
• support reservists and cadet force adult volunteers – we will offer flexibility in working arrangements for those who serve as reservists or volunteer with cadet forces, recognising their additional responsibilities
• recognise military skills and experience – the armed forces equip individuals with a wealth of transferable skills, from leadership and teamwork to problem-solving and resilience. We will ensure these skills are valued and utilised within our workplace
• offer tailored support and career development – we are committed to providing mentoring, training and career progression opportunities that help veterans and service leavers transition into civilian employment successfully.

Why other employers should sign up

Employers across all sectors, particularly those in sport and physical activity, should consider signing the Armed Forces Covenant. The armed forces instil discipline, teamwork, resilience and leadership – qualities that are invaluable in any workplace, especially in dynamic sectors such as ours.

In the sport and physical activity sector, veterans and service leavers bring a wealth of experience in coaching, teamwork, motivation and strategic thinking. Their ability to adapt quickly, handle pressure and lead by example makes them outstanding candidates for roles in coaching, fitness instruction, event management and operational leadership.

Plus, the physically demanding nature of a number of roles in military service means that many former armed forces personnel maintain a high level of physical fitness and an ingrained commitment to health and wellbeing. This makes them particularly well suited to a number of careers in the sport and physical activity sector, where strength, endurance and an understanding of physical training are key attributes. Their experience in structured training programmes, injury prevention and rehabilitation can be invaluable in roles such as personal training and sports development.

Just over 15,000 people left the British armed forces last year, creating a substantial talent pool of highly trained individuals with skills that are directly transferable to a wide range of industries. Employers who recognise and harness this talent stand to benefit significantly from their experience and dedication.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, employers in our sector can:

• benefit from a highly skilled and motivated talent pool
• enhance workplace diversity by integrating individuals with unique experiences and perspectives
• demonstrate corporate social responsibility by supporting those who have served our country
• improve retention and employee satisfaction by fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Why it matters

Signing the covenant is not just a symbolic gesture – it is a meaningful commitment. As an employer, we believe in the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that benefits from the talent, experience and dedication of service personnel and veterans. By creating a supportive workplace culture for service members, veterans and their families, we truly value their service and recognise the high value that they bring to our organisation.

We strongly encourage other organisations in our sector to consider making a commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. The skills, dedication and leadership qualities that veterans and service leavers bring to the workforce make them an asset to any organisation.