VPS UK Limited Awarded Silver Under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.

VPS UK Limited is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Silver Award under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). 

This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and ensuring that those who serve, or have served, are treated with fairness and respect in the workplace. 

What the Armed Forces Covenant Means 

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. By signing the Covenant, organisations demonstrate their commitment to removing disadvantages faced by service personnel, veterans and reservists in civilian life. 

The Employer Recognition Scheme, operated by the Ministry of Defence, acknowledges employers that go above and beyond in their support. The Silver Award recognises organisations that have actively demonstrated their support through policies, advocacy and tangible actions. 

Why This Matters to VPS 

At VPS, our business is built on protection, resilience and responsibility. The values embodied by the Armed Forces community discipline, integrity, adaptability and teamwork closely align with our own. 

Supporting veterans, reservists and service leavers is not simply a corporate responsibility initiative for us; it is a strategic commitment.  Individuals transitioning from military service bring highly transferable skills that add real value to our operations, including: 

• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities 
• Experience working in high-pressure environments 
• A culture of accountability and teamwork 
• Technical and operational expertise 

These attributes are particularly relevant within a security-focused organisation such as ours, where professionalism and reliability are paramount. 

Supporting Transition into Civilian Careers 

Transitioning from military service into civilian employment can present challenges. Recognising this, VPS is committed to providing opportunities that enable service leavers to build sustainable, rewarding careers. 

Our approach includes: 

• Actively encouraging applications from veterans and reservists 
• Promoting an inclusive recruitment process 
• Supporting flexible working arrangements where possible for reservists 
• Raising awareness internally of the value the Armed Forces community brings 

By creating pathways into meaningful employment, we help ensure that valuable skills are retained within the UK workforce while offering individuals the opportunity to continue contributing to society in a new capacity.  

Leadership Perspective 

Commenting on the award, Dave Butcher, Head of Learning & Development, VPS UK Limited, said: 

Having served in the Armed Forces myself, I understand both the strengths veterans and reservists bring to civilian organisations and the challenges that can come with transition. 

Achieving the Silver Award under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme is something I’m very proud of. At VPS, we see first-hand the resilience, leadership and professionalism that the Armed Forces community brings to our business having employed veterans at every level of the organisation including the senior leadership teams.

This recognition reflects our commitment to creating opportunities where service leavers can continue to grow, develop and build meaningful careers.