Security giant G4S in the UK has re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant to reaffirm support for those who serve or have served in the military.

The re-signing took place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea by G4S UK & Ireland (UK&I) Regional HR Director Paul Edwards, who was joined by Brigadier Andy Wright and other members of the armed forces.

Edwards said: “By signing this pledge, we are demonstrating our commitment to the Armed Forces and their families.

“I have no doubt that it will strengthen the already robust relationship between G4S UK&I and veterans as we continue to recruit and learn from their years of experience.”

Gordon Fletcher, G4S’s Armed Forces Champion, joined G4S in 2020 after a 37 year career with the military.

In addition to his regular role, he will promote G4S’s involvement with the Covenant and commit to our silver pledges as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.

Gordon and a team of 12 reservists and veterans will support others by promoting employment opportunities, the veterans railcard, and encouraging employees, not just veterans or reservists, to participate in leadership training programmes run by the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force.

Importantly, he will work with the G4S recruitment teams to ensure any veteran, their spouse or partner who applies for a job at G4S will be guaranteed an interview as long as they disclose their veteran status at the application stage.

Fletcher added: “People who have previously served in the armed forces add enormous value to G4S through their vast experience, expertise and diverse range of skills, all of which are highly complementary to our business.

“I’m looking forward to leading a working group for veterans and reservists to ensure we identify and support all those from the military who are now part of G4S.”

“At the heart of our business sits our values including being reliable, caring and acting with integrity,” said G4S Regional CEO for the UK & Ireland, Fiona Walters. “We know similar values are already core to the UK Forces so this partnership makes so much sense and we look forward to building on our partnership over the coming years.”

“Since joining G4S I’ve been able to bring across so many transferable skills that have meant I have hit the ground running and worked on a number of incredibly interesting projects. For any veteran considering a new career after serving in the forces I would highly recommend searching on the G4S careers website,” added Fletcher.

“It’s great to see G4S reaffirm their commitment and I thank them for supporting our veterans, Reserves and their families,” said Minister for Defence People, Service Families and Veterans, Sarah Atherton.

“Through their commitment, companies are offering meaningful employment options and support for those transitioning from military to civilian life and ensuring they can continue to make a positive contribution to the business community and wider society.”

Background:
• G4S first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in July 2014.
• The re-signing took place on Friday 2 September 2022.
• Other G4S colleagues who attended were Gordon Brockington, Managing Director of G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services, Gordon Fletcher, Procurement, Supply and Transformation Manager for G4S Facilities Management, and Hayley Bull, an armed forces Reservist and Events Officer for G4S Secure Solutions UK

ABOUT G4S:
In 2021, G4S, a London-based global security company, was acquired by Allied Universal®, a leading security and facility services company that provides proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver tailored, integrated security solutions. This acquisition expanded Allied Universal’s footprint and infrastructure on a global and local level. Through a global workforce of approximately 800,000 people*, we leverage best practices in communities all over the world.