Rheinmetall Defence UK Signs Armed Forces Covenant to Strengthen Support for Military Personnel and Veterans

Rheinmetall Defence UK Signs Armed Forces Covenant to Strengthen Support for Military Personnel and Veterans

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall Defence UK has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging its support for active service members, veterans, Reservists, and their families. This commitment includes providing paid leave for Reservists, supporting Armed Forces charities, and fostering an inclusive workplace that actively recruits veterans and military spouses. The company is dedicated to creating opportunities for the Armed Forces community, including engagement activities for Cadets. Rheinmetall joins thousands of UK organizations in showing its gratitude and support for those who serve the nation.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 17-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall Defence UK has taken a significant step in supporting the UK Armed Forces by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge that reflects the company’s deep commitment to serving those who have protected the nation, both in their military service and beyond. This important agreement underlines Rheinmetall Defence UK’s dedication to ensuring that those who serve or have served, as well as their families, are supported in the workplace and wider society.

Formal Commitment to Supporting the Armed Forces

The official signing of the Armed Forces Covenant took place on 12 September 2024 at Rheinmetall House in Bristol, where Major General Lizzie Faithful-Davies, Director Land Equipment (DLE), joined Rebecca Richards, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence UK, to formalise this commitment. This partnership signifies Rheinmetall’s ongoing dedication to the Armed Forces community and reinforces the company’s determination to lead by example in how it treats current service members, veterans, Reservists, and their families.

By signing the Covenant, Rheinmetall Defence UK is publicly pledging to ensure that no member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantage and that all are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. This includes active support for employees who serve as Reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, granting them paid leave to participate in critical training and operational exercises. Additionally, Rheinmetall Defence UK will continue to support Armed Forces charities through donations, fundraising efforts, and other meaningful initiatives.

Fostering an Inclusive Workplace for Veterans and Military Families

Rheinmetall Defence UK is also committed to creating a supportive and inclusive working environment for veterans, service spouses, and partners. The company recognises the valuable skills and unique experiences that military personnel and their families bring to the workforce and is determined to ensure these individuals are given equal opportunities in their careers.

The company’s recruitment strategy will actively promote the hiring of veterans and military spouses, aiming to attract talent from the Armed Forces community while providing them with the support needed to thrive in their roles. This includes flexible working arrangements for Reservists, enabling them to fulfill their military duties without compromising their career progression at Rheinmetall.

The company is also dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation, offering engagement activities such as insight days for Cadets, further demonstrating its commitment to the Armed Forces community.

A Symbol of Gratitude and Ongoing Support

Rebecca Richards, Deputy CEO of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems International, expressed the company’s enthusiasm and pride in signing the Covenant. “We are honored to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, affirming our commitment to those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces. Our initiatives, including paid leave for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, ongoing support for Armed Forces charities, and our veteran-friendly recruitment process, reflect our deep gratitude for the service and sacrifices of the Armed Forces community. This Covenant solidifies Rheinmetall Defence UK’s ongoing support for their welfare both within our organisation and in society at large.”

By joining the ranks of thousands of organisations across the UK that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, Rheinmetall Defence UK is furthering its partnership with the UK Armed Forces. The company is dedicated to creating a positive impact on the lives of those who protect the nation, ensuring their wellbeing, and maintaining a strong, supportive relationship with veterans, Reservists, and their families.

Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Commitment

Rheinmetall Defence UK’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a commitment to long-term, meaningful support for the UK Armed Forces community. The company is eager to continue its partnership with the military, enhancing support for service members, veterans, and their families. With initiatives that range from flexible working arrangements to community engagement and financial support for charities, Rheinmetall Defence UK is taking an active role in ensuring that the Armed Forces community is well-supported in both their professional and personal lives.

This Covenant not only highlights the company’s core values of respect and fairness but also sets a standard for how businesses can meaningfully contribute to the wellbeing of those who serve. In the coming years, Rheinmetall Defence UK aims to expand its efforts to ensure that the Armed Forces community continues to receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Media Contact:

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Press and Public Relations
Phone: +49 211 473-4748
Fax: +49 211 473-4157

SOURCE: Rheinmetall