Milestone 1,500th organisation signs Armed Forces Covenant
The National Energy System Operator (NESO), has become the 1,500th organisation to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets has announced.
The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
The Covenant is a national initiative for governments, businesses, local authorities, charities to pledge their support to the Armed Forces community.
The organisations who hold a Covenant recognise the value serving personnel, both regular and reserve, veterans, military families, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets contribute to their business and our country.
To demonstrate and solidify their support for the Armed Forces community.
NESO signed the Armed Forces Covenant on Monday 9 December at their Headquarters in Warwick.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO), previously the Electricity System Operator (ESO) and part of National Grid, was established on 1 October 2024.
Its creation was driven by legislation in the UK’s 2023 Energy Act which set out the need to create an independent, impartial, public corporation with responsibilities for energy system planning, operations and to help accelerate Great Britain’s energy transition.
NESO's role sits at the centre of Great Britain’s energy system taking a whole system view to create a world where everyone has access to reliable, clean and affordable energy.
Fintan Slye, chief executive of NESO, said: "To have signed the Armed Forces Covenant is extremely important to NESO. We are delighted to hear we are also the 1500th signatory of the AFC.
“At NESO, and across the energy industry, we employ many veterans and Reservists and benefit immensely from the skills that colleagues with military experience have developed from their time with the Armed Forces.
“We are incredibly proud of the longstanding contribution they make to our workforce and also the important role our SeRVe Employee Resource Group plays in supporting the veterans, Reservists, cadet leaders and their spouses and families here at NESO.”
Cat Suckling, regional employer engagement director at West Midland RFCA, added: “Attending the NESO Armed Forces advocacy and Covenant signing event felt incredibly poignant and relevant at a time in which we are facing such geopolitical instability, with real repercussions seen in the price and supply of our energy.
“Listening to members of the Armed Forces network speak about their civilian roles felt incredibly similar to speaking to a group of soldiers due to the common values of responsibility, leadership and teamwork.
“I am in no doubt that NESO will continue with this momentum in working with the Armed Forces community and will go on to become advocates.”
The type of pledges made vary from endeavouring to work with defence-funded recruitment agencies, supporting existing staff to become Reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, promoting the fact the organisation is forces-friendly and much more.
Organisations of all sizes and sectors can support the Armed Forces community. In return they can develop mutually beneficial relationships with Defence, and gain a wealth of interpersonal and transferable skills from employing personnel in the forces community.
West Midland RFCA’s Engagement team work with interested organisations in our region who wish to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and those who wish to progress up the Employer Recognition Scheme ladder, increasing the support they offer to the Armed Forces community.
To find out more please contact the West Midland RFCA Employer Engagement Team on wm-ee@rfca.mod.uk.
