Costain awarded the defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award
NEWS RELEASE
21 August 2020
Costain recognises the vital role of Britain’s Armed Forces, and the valuable contribution that members of the Reserve Forces make to Britain’s defence, their communities and their civilian workplace. As an organisation we pledged to support the armed forces following the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in 2018. With seven reservists and 60+ veterans currently employed, we have continued to honour that pledge and benefit from the experience, expertise and specific skills these individuals bring.
The ERS not only encourages employers to support the defence industry but also inspire others to do the same. Having achieved Bronze status in 2018, James York, Group corporate responsibility and security director is delighted with this recent Silver award.
“This award is confirmation that Costain has the building blocks in place to support the defence community and it recognises the journey Costain has been on in supporting our veterans, reservists and their families. Since signing the Armed Forces Covenant, we have continued to demonstrate our commitment through the additional support we provide to reservist employees and our recently formed Armed Forces and families network sponsored by Nathan Marsh, our chief digital officer and former army officer.”
In addition to the Armed Forces and families network, Costain has also established a military coworking hub to support military spouses and families engage in employment, study or networking when having to relocate with their serving partners. This employee led initiative has secured funding to rollout onsite business centres on military campuses.
“I am immensely proud to work for an organisation that has been recognised in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Costain values the input from all reservists and veterans and continues to develop its understanding and the role it can have in best supporting the armed forces and their families and communities. As a veteran myself, I can see the power of recruiting and working with veterans to access essential skills and a resilient and ‘can do’ proactive mindset. They make up a valuable part of Costain’s diverse talent pool.”
George Hilliar, behavioural management consultant, is the current chair of the Armed Forces and families network at Costain “This award means a lot at Costain. My colleagues and I have continued to shape how Costain supports the Armed Forces and recognition from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme confirms that we are and will continue to be, a great place to work. Any Armed Forces personnel who are looking for their next career move, should feel confident they’ll have all the support they need with their military and civilian careers.”
To read more about the scheme, please see the MOD guidance page.
