Severn Trent’s commitment to the Armed Forces has been recognised by the Armed Forces Covenant, after receiving a Gold Award for Employer Recognition Scheme in the 2023 awards.

The prestigious award – its highest available - recognises the important and positive role that organisations can play in supporting the armed forces community and the work that companies like Severn Trent are doing to support its colleagues that have served in the military.

Severn Trent’s internal Armed Forces Network was set up in 2021, and since then has been a big driver in support for ex-military colleagues and their families with settling back into the community, while also providing skills and training to help ex-military members to find work.

The award was given in recognition to the work that goes on supporting those adapting back to civilian life, as well as support for reservists – which includes an extra 10 days annual leave to reservists within the company to allow them to carry out their training and duties.

Steve Birnie, Resourcing Manager at Severn Trent and Armed Forces Network Lead accepted the award along with colleagues at the recent event. The Armed Forces Network is made up of a diverse group of employees, who are either directly connected to the armed forces or have a passion to support.

The group works alongside other networks within the company, that make sure the company is adaptable and fair and with the right support in place for anyone needing it. Steve said of collecting the award, “As a business we really recognise the value of the skills that military professionals bring and it’s brilliant to see Severn Trent show support and commitment to the Armed Forces, and this award reflects that.

“It’s not easy to return to civilian life, and we’ve been able to really look at the entire journey for service leavers, from applying for a job here, to receiving the relevant training and any additional support. We want to ensure they have the very best experience with us and ease their transition back to civilian life – this includes things like CV building workshops for over 100 veterans this year, and providing free interview practice to go even further to help people adjust.”

The award from the Armed Forces Covenant, who support those leaving the military, supports Severn Trent’s commitment to be open and inclusive for all.  

The company understands that veterans can bring skills such as - leadership, communication, problem solving, working under pressure, great team players to its business, to help deliver an exceptional service for its some eight million customers in the Midlands.

“This award is a nod to all the hard work our teams and others have put into our commitment to supporting those who have served and I’m so proud. I’m excited about what the future brings as our network goes from strength to strength.”

The company is always looking for great people, from all backgrounds and continues to have lots of opportunities like jobs, placements, apprenticeships and internships that are available.

Understand more about the jobs, opportunities and what it’s like to work at Severn Trent here: www.severntrent.com/careers/