Celebrating Armed Forces Week - An update on our Armed Forces Community

As we mark the start of a very different annual event in honour of our serving forces, veterans and cadets, our thoughts are firmly of those who are serving. This year, in particular, we are recognising those that have been instrumental in providing support to the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. While celebrations will be very different, it is still important that we take a moment for reflection.

As the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the nation and lockdown was introduced, many of our Compass colleagues have continued to work. Whether that’s been in our healthcare, business and industry or defence sectors. We have been so proud to see our people go above and beyond.

A number of our Reservists were mobilised in March for up to six months and are supporting the military’s operational response to Covid-19. We are so proud of the work that they do, both in their reservist role and for our business, and highlights the benefits that both organisations gain from the skills developed in both roles.

In addition to our Armed Forces Covenant work, we also directly supporting our military through our work with ESS, the Defence arm of our business. The past few months have seen our ESS colleagues working round the clock, feeding troops and keeping military bases operating smoothly. The introduction of social distancing and enhanced hygiene protocols have not deterred our teams, as they continue to keep services running 24/7.

ESS has also been working to support the wider military family and donated 1,500 food boxes and care packages. These were divided between the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and The Royal British Legion. Charities distributed these sought after staples through their partner associations to isolated military families and veterans or beneficiaries struggling to source items for themselves.

While the past few months have been incredibly testing for us all, I want to thank those currently serving, and the wider defence community, for all that they have been doing, to continue to keep us safe during these immensely challenging times.

If you are interested in finding out more about how we support the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans and military families, please email AFC@compass-group.co.uk