The Army Reserve routinely provides support below the threshold of war and contributes to homeland resilience during significant crises. In increasingly uncertain and dangerous times, the UK needs these capabilities.
The Army Reserve also partners with thousands of businesses across the UK, with both parties mutually benefitting from the opportunities that employing a reservist brings.
We are always looking for new businesses to work with us, helping to provide the diverse skill sets and dedicated Reservists we need to meet the challenges of the future. The skills they acquire from being in the Reserve directly transforms and supports business.
Attracting and retaining high-quality individuals is essential. By supporting your reservist employees, you can play a key role in ensuring the Army is ready to deliver a modern, adaptable, and highly capable force for the future.
Benefits to your business:
- Access to world-class, transferrable training that develops essential skills such as leadership, communication, self-confidence, and teamwork.
- Accredited qualifications in areas such as health & safety, first aid, IT, and personal management.
- Employees who are fit, resourceful, and trained to perform under pressure, demonstrating sound judgement, resilience, and respect for others.
- Improved employee retention through the unique and diverse opportunities offered by the Army Reserve, providing experiences and challenges that may not be available within your organisation.
Employer Engagement Events
Are you an employer interested in learning more about the benefits of supporting Army reservists in your workforce? Army Reserve Employer Engagement events are a fantastic opportunity to discover how the Army Reserve operates and how partnering with the Army Reserve can benefit your organisation.
From visiting Reserve training exercises in the UK and abroad to key Army officer and soldier establishments, such as the Royal Military Sandhurst or the Soldier Academy at Pirbright. These events provide valuable insights into the skills and experiences reservists bring to the workplace, as well as outlining the support available to employers.
Whether you're looking to network with other businesses, hear from current reservists, or explore how the Army Reserve can complement your organisation's goals, find an event near you is the first step.
How to employ and supports reservists in your organisation
Reservists possess a range of transferrable skills, including:
- Leadership and teamwork: experience in leading teams and working collaboratively under pressure.
- Problem-solving and adaptability: Ability to think critically and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Technical expertise: Many reservists have specialised skills in areas such as engineering, IT, logistics, and project management.
- Resilience and discipline: A strong work ethic, reliability, and the ability to perform in high-pressure environments.
To attract Reservists, consider the following steps:
- Engage with Defence Relationship Management (DRM) or your local Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA)
- Showcase your support for the Armed Forces: Sign the Armed Forces Covenant to demonstrate your commitment to supporting the military community. By making bespoke pledges that work for you and supports the Army Reserve, this will demonstrate your support to the armed forces community and to your existing and future reservist employees.
- Join the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). By being a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and participating in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, it demonstrates your dedication to make the workplace more reservist friendly; and you can take advantage of networking and marketing opportunities. Organisations who take positive action to make their workplace more reservist friendly and support the wider Defence People requirements may be eligible for ERS awards.
- Have a reservist friendly HR policy. A retention positive shows your commitment and support to reservists and the Army community.
- Highlight transferable skills. When advertising roles, focus on skills and attributes rather than specific industry experience.
- Armed Forces Network/Champions. Establish a reservist friendly/armed forces champion network within your organisation. This will encourage support and advocacy for all.
Creating a workplace that values and support reservists can enhance your reputation as an employer of choice:
- Celebrate your commitment: Publicly share your support through your website, social media, and recruitment materials.
- Encourage diversity: Recognise the unique perspectives and experiences that reservists bring to your organisation.
- Engage with the armed forces community: Participate in events, initiatives, and networks that support the armed forces community - this also includes veterans and their families.
Employing reservists is not just the right thing to do, it's also good for business. Their skills, discipline, and adaptability can drove innovation, improve team performance, and enhance organisational resilience. By hiring reservists, you're investing in individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on your organisation.
The Army needs employers to help sustain and grow a capable and resilient Army Reserve. Reservists are your employers and members of your community. The Army needs you to support them in the workplace so they can commit to the training and taskings required to deliver UK defence and homeland resilience. Your help in supporting reservists will also help promote recruitment to the Reserves because employees will know that you value their service and you have their backs.