A housing association has reaffirmed its commitment to support the armed forces community following a change in leadership.
County Durham-based believe housing first signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant in 2020, pledging to treat military personnel, veterans, and their families with fairness and respect.
And Alan Smith, who became Chief Executive in April, recently put his name to it, ahead of Armed Forces Day, showing the organisation’s continued commitment to the Covenant as both an employer and housing provider.
Alan said: “It works alongside everything else we do to be an inclusive organisation at every level, giving people opportunities to enhance their skillset, use their interests and experience and redirect them into communities after their service is complete.
“It really fits with our ‘life without barriers’ vision.”
believe housing holds the Employer Recognition Scheme silver award for exceeding its covenant pledges and providing exceptional support to the armed forces community and defence.
This includes supporting employees who serve in the reserve forces, offering extra holidays for mobilisation, and recognising the transferable skills and qualities that reservists and veterans can bring from their military career to its own workforce.
It also supports customers in the military community.
By part-funding the Armed Forces Outreach Service (AFOS), it supports a customer’s needs beyond their housing application. AFOS support can include help with benefits, employment, mental and physical health, family needs, and sourcing furniture or other household items.
Brigadier David Eccles, Regional Employer Engagement Director with The North of England Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said: “It is really important to us to have the support of any business, in this case a local one.
“We believe that people leaving the military today have something to offer employers – the ability to learn quickly, work as a team, show dedication.
“I’m sure believe housing is full of employees doing the same, but recognising the value of ex-servicepeople can help its recruitment process and show it is a welcoming employer.”
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