Alcocks Nicholls Stewart signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant in January 2020 after they were made aware of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, when they were contacted by the West Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WMRFCA). They were awarded with bronze ERS status in January 2020. This allowed them to promote the ERS, offer small discounts to military families and show that they were a Military Friendly Organisation. See https://www.wmrfca.org/employers/armed-forces-covenant/ for information on how to sign up.
Alcocks Nicholls Stewart have employed an RAF Reservist since October 2018 and as a small organisation at that time they didn’t really know what employing someone involved in the military entailed. It was understood that she would be required to go on training days during the working week and weekends and it was quite surprising as to how much of her free time she offered to the Armed Forces on top of quite a demanding 9-5 job together with starting her 3-year degree to become a Building Surveyor.
There was quite a sharp learning curve as to what her involvement meant for Alcocks Nicholls Stewart in March 2020 as the country faced an unimaginable and unpredictable future when the Coronavirus took hold. Kate their RAF Reservist explained that she had the opportunity to be deployed for initially a 4-month period, she would be diving into the unknown. Support was offered and they were very proud of her decision to put herself on the front line, which of course, she had been training for, she was certainly very brave.
It was at this time that they then received letters and forms from Kate’s squadron explaining what would happen next. The process was relatively simple, of course they were supported and advised throughout. What a lot of businesses probably don’t know is that the Armed Forces take on the employees’ salary, which was a big help at the time.
One thing that was difficult for Alcocks Nicholls Stewart was that as a small business, their RAF Reservist was a fee earner and that meant losing a significant portion of income. However, Kate was returned safely and came back with more enthusiasm and possibly a better understanding of the world. The company was offered a small compensatory grant which was then put towards Kate’s training in the workplace.
This was a great time to start the process of getting the silver award as Alcocks Nicholls Stewart now had “hands on” experience. Applying for Silver was very straightforward, they had to show that they were promoting and getting involved with supporting the Armed Forces, showing that they were engaged with events and networking and making a few HR alterations to policies including displaying the banner. Most companies already have these things in place, it is just a case of making sure that they comply.
Alcocks Nicholls Stewart were awarded Silver at a ceremony in September 2022, which was held at the National Arboretum.
Throughout their journey of showing support, it hasn’t just been a “one-way street”. The team at Alcocks Nicholls Stewart have been invited to many events put on by the WMRFCA and RAF 614 Squadron. They attended a team building event at the South Wales Aviation Museum hosted by 614 Squadron as a way of giving back to the employer. This gave them an opportunity to sit in some of the most amazingly technical aircrafts.
Alcocks Nicholls Stewart were involved in making a promotion video with 614 Squadron, where they talked about being involved in the Employer Recognition Scheme, which is now being used to encourage other businesses to get involved. To view this video on LinkedIn, follow RAF Reserves Employer Engagements
This also led them to attend a Battle of Britain Dinner Dance in Cardiff, where they witnessed some of the old traditions and listened to interesting stories of times in the forces. Going on a leadership and management training day at RAF Halton, where they were taught some of the techniques and skills that are used by our Armed Forces. Attending presentations, networking events and award ceremonies hosted by the WMRFCA.
Alcocks Nicholls Stewart say that they are always welcomed warmly at these events and what makes them feel special and encourages them to move on with their quest for gold is meeting the people who are in the Armed Forces, the ones on the ground doing the day to day grind and how much they appreciate friendly companies supporting them, knowing that companies like Alcocks Nicholls Stewart will be available to them when they leave the Forces and join the civilian world.
They hope to bring you news of their making it to gold in the near future… watch this space.