On Friday, 6th of February, an employer engagement networking luncheon took place in the Royal Box at The Grand Military Gold Cup. Due to unfortunate weather conditions, all the racing was cancelled but other planned events still went ahead, including military stands.
The aim of the luncheon was to provide a networking opportunity to defence people employers where they can share best practices. This event was part of a wider exhibit within the stand enclosure from the Regular and Reservist Army units from the region, Army cadets were also present. They were promoting the Military at Work and Military at Play which included inspirational speakers, displays of equipment and personnel as part of a ticketed event promoted to local schools, colleges, employers and community.
Over 25 employers and stakeholders attended to hear panellists from KPMG, Amazon and the University of London Officers Training Corps (ULOTC) with Lt Col Read, SO1 Pers Res, Field Army as the chair of the panel. Lt Col Milne, Commanding Officer ULOTC, talked about the value of OTC to graduate employment while LCpl Alder from KPMG and the Honourable Artillery Company, spoke about her experience as a Reservist employed by a supportive employer.
The discussion was concluded by Emma Morgan, Senior Program Manager from Amazon, communicated about the value of Reservists from an employer’s perspective, she is also the co-chair of the Gold Award Association. KPMG and Amazon hold the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, and have been signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant for a long time.
A fantastic afternoon of dialogues involving the positive impact of hiring and supporting Armed Forces members, especially Reservists. Everyone attending today saw concrete proof of why hiring military talent is valuable and how there are mutual benefits for employers and Defence.”
Katie Dodd, Defence Relationship Manager
