RSA signs Armed Forces Covenant

RSA Insurance, one of the UK’s largest insurers, is pleased to announce it has become a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant is a government-backed scheme that advocates for the unique needs of those within the Armed Forces Community, ensuring employers create environments in which all those who serve, have served and/or have serving family members are understood, treated fairly, and supported to thrive. 

The signing also marks the launch of an RSA Armed Forces Employee Resource Group (ERG), co-chaired by Ian Dawes, who currently serves as an Army Reservist Lieutenant in the Royal Corps of Signals, and Victoria Bauling, a military veteran who served six years in the Army Intelligence Corps as both a Regular and Reservist. The RSA Armed Forces ERG is an open group for all those affiliated with the Armed Forces and for those interested in the impact and challenges this community can sometimes face. It will lead in internal policy development and guidance, shaping recruitment practices, and championing the causes and needs of Armed Forces affiliated colleagues.  

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that all members of the Armed Forces Community are treated fairly. Businesses can signal their recognition of service by signing the Covenant. Signatories commit to being flexible to the unique situations of the wider Armed Forces community, ensuring fair and appropriate treatment to all who are involved, including the spouses and partners, and cadet force adult volunteers. It distinguishes employers who actively seek to support those impacted to ensure they get the best from their employees. 

The RSA Armed Forces ERG will drive the fulfilment of pledges RSA has made in signing the Covenant and encourage members and allies of the military community to come forward and join the ERG.   

Ian Dawes, Co-chair RSA Armed Forces ERG, Army Reservist Lieutenant, and Project Manager at RSA said, “We’re delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which acts as an important conduit between the civilian and military spheres. It marks a significant milestone in our understanding of this extended community and recognises the extraordinary contribution of those involved in military duty.  

“By signing the Covenant, we’re proving our commitment to support the Armed Forces community, ensuring we have the right people in place to create ongoing guidance and policy for families, partners, veterans, and those serving. I’m proud RSA is a military friendly employer, with a supportive and enabling environment for the armed forces community.”

Peter Germain, Chief Executive at the Armed Forces Covenant, added, “When an organisation commits to signing the Armed Forces Covenant it speaks volumes about the value they attach to the skills, experience and character that members of the armed forces community can bring to their organisation.”

Authored by RSA