Arco signs up to Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

COMMITMENT: Jonathan Simmons, left, talent acquisition manager at Arco, and Stephen Miller, an ex-serviceman and Arco’s chief information officer, with the company’s ERS Bronze Award certificate

By Simon Bristow

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has signed up to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) and has secured a bronze award – the first step in the fifth-generation family business’ ambition of becoming a gold award employer.

The bronze award, which also covers Arco Professional Safety Services, was made after the safety product and services business formally pledged its support for the armed forces by becoming a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, and agreeing to support existing or prospective employees who are members of the community.

Joining the ERS demonstrates Arco’s commitment to being armed forces-friendly and being open to employing reservists, armed forces veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructors and military spouses or partners.

Arco recognises that skills, expertise and dedication gained from working within the defence sector are highly transferable to key roles across its business, such as working at height and confined space instructors, fall protection engineer, and respiratory specialists, as well as roles across Arco’s support functions.

Penny Meddes, chief people officer at Arco, said: “As a family-business, with a core purpose of keeping people safe at work, Arco is delighted to strengthen its relationship with the armed forces community and promote the business as a great place to work to those who have served or are serving our country.

“This award is just the start of our relationship with the ERS and forms part of a wider strategy to promote the variety of career opportunities available at Arco to as wide a pool of talent as possible.”

Stephen Miller, chief information Officer at Arco, said: “As an Arco colleague and ex-serviceman, I am very pleased that the business has achieved bronze accreditation with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and that we have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

“As experts in safety, we recognise and honour the role played by all who have and are serving in the military and who risk their lives to keep us safe, and we are proud to work closely with several organisations within the defence sector.

“The Armed Forces Covenant is our commitment to them and our ERS accreditation is a real and practical way for us to provide opportunities for ex-service personnel from all branches as they transition to civilian life, which recognises the many skills and talents they have to offer.”

The ERS encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The ERS is designed primarily to recognise private sector support although public sector organisations, such as the emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts, and executive agencies are also eligible to be recognised.