QinetiQ wins gold award in MoD defence employer recognition scheme
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has named QinetiQ as a Gold Award winner in its Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for 2016. The scheme recognises UK employers that demonstrate a commitment to defence by proactively supporting the armed forces community and inspiring others to do the same. To achieve Gold Award status, a company must uphold recruitment policies that are positive to people in and leaving the armed forces, creating opportunities for service personnel such as cadet instructors, veterans (including wounded, injured and sick), and military spouses and partners. It must enable reservists to fulfil their annual training and mobilisation commitments and support their reintegration once back at work.
Steve Wadey, Chief Executive Officer of QinetiQ, said: “We are honoured to receive this award from the MoD in recognition of the commitments we have made to the armed forces community. However, the award should also serve as testament to the valuable contribution military personnel make to companies like ours. These are people with the drive to go above and beyond in the name of public service and I would encourage any organisation to draw upon the frontline skills and insight they bring.”
QinetiQ recently pledged its continued support to UK servicemen and women by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, which ensures fairness and equal opportunity for service and ex-service personnel, reservists and their families.
Originally signed by QinetiQ in August 2013, the Covenant has been updated to clarify the company’s commitments to its reservists, including improved line manager training and enhanced leave benefits.
Congratulating the winners, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “Every year the level of support from companies across Britain for the armed forces continues to grow. This commitment is making a real difference to everyone who serves and their families – whether giving Reservists more time to train or supporting veterans or spouses, they embody what the Armed Forces Covenant is about.”