Maintaining the Gold Standard!

Since attaining our Armed Forces Covenant Gold status last year, SQEP has welcomed more veterans to the family. Find out what the AFC means to the company culture from SQEP’s Armed Forces Covenant lead, Sam Pocock…

Sam, when you joined SQEP, was it important to you that they were supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant?

As a third-generation serving person, it was imperative that wherever I chose to work held close the same core values that I had become accustomed to. The nature of our business lends itself to support for the Armed Forces, but I was impressed to discover that SQEP saw support for the Armed Forces as a duty rather than a badge to wear.

Can you tell me about SQEP’s journey with the Armed Forces Covenant?

We were awarded Gold status in 2023 against a clearly defined criteria, including the need to have a Reservists policy, providing advice to Service Leavers and demonstrating advocacy for the Armed Forces Covenant. Our Gold status has enabled us to access a broad network of like-minded organisations who share similar values. Together we all work to identify opportunities and best practice as we look to enhance the offering to the Armed Forces Community.

For you personally as a Service Leaver, was it initially a difficult transition into civilian life?

After 24 years of service, I naturally felt nervous and apprehensive about the path ahead. The RAF provided much guidance; however, I was unsure of what to expect from organisations when applying for jobs. SQEP made the transition comfortable and went as far as to advise me on making the most of my resettlement time.

Everything was new to me, but SQEP stood out from other companies in the support they provided from the top down.

Tell me a little bit about your previous career??

24 years in the RAF, leaving as a Chief Technician with several deployments including Afghanistan on Op Herrick with the Hercules C130 Aircraft.

As a Veteran yourself, what does the Armed Forces Covenant mean to you?

It is only over the last few years that the Nation has looked to explore what being a Veteran in modern times is and this has been driven by the enshrinement of the AFC into law. Without the covenant I don’t think there would be the level of focus and support for Armed Forces families who have been required to live very different lives to many of those around them.

Tell me more about the AFC - What is the criteria for a company to support and achieve (first of all bronze, silver then gold) status?

Organisations are required to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and then self-nominate for Bronze status. After that, silver and gold awards are boarded and approved by the regional Reserve Forces and Cadets Association. The criteria becomes increasingly specific and the awarding body diligently scrutinises all applications.

As SQEP’s Lead on the AFC, what responsibilities do you have? What kind of things do you get involved in?

I attend all of the Gold Award Association meetings and events. The association runs several engagement events to promote the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) and these provide great insight for companies looking to invest in those who choose to serve their country.

From a company perspective, I brief all new staff on the principles of the AFC and look for opportunities to promote advocacy of the AFC throughout our large network of stakeholders.

Anything else you want to add – about SQEP/ The AFC/ anything you think relevant?

At SQEP we maintain that the Gold award status represents more than a badge to wear with pride, it serves as a constant reminder of our responsibility to ensure that members of the Armed Forces family are given a fair opportunity to thrive post-service of their country.

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