Rotherham-based Castings Technology International (CTI) became the 800th employer in Yorkshire and the Humber to sign the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC). At an event at CTI’s headquarters, colleagues with links to the Armed Forces were joined by event speaker, HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, Head of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, The Master Cutler, Mr Charles Turner, Air Commodore Adam Sansom, Air Officer for the North of England, and CTI Managing Director, Richard Cook.
Nation’s commitment
The signing of the AFC is described as ‘the nation’s commitment’ to ensuring those who serve or have served in the armed forces have the same access to government and commercial services as any other services, including opportunities to start a new career with a civilian employer. An average of 15,000 people leave the armed forces each year, and by taking steps such as signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant, organisations pledge to be forces-friendly.
Following the official signing of the AFC, the Lord-Lieutenant presented the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze award to CTI which was received by Richard Cook. The ERS consists of three award levels – bronze, silver, and gold. Each level indicates an organisation’s commitment and involvement to offer support programmes and policies that align with the scheme’s framework. The main objective of the scheme is for employers to endorse their employees who are military personnel (current, former and associated) and enable development opportunities that support their current or past duty to the forces with their civilian employment.
From Castings Technology
Richard Cook, Managing Director of CTI, says:
“It is poignant, having recently celebrated its centenary, that Castings Technology International is becoming a proud affiliate of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, celebrating the contribution made by past and present serving staff as they transition into civilian life.
“Aside from a deep desire to support those who have served our country, this affiliation opens-up an additional rich vein of talent to facilitate the future growth and development of our business in the face of a challenging post-pandemic recruitment landscape. This award underlines and formalises CTI’s long-standing commitment to ex-servicemen and women, with a number of our staff, or their family members being ex-forces.
“I therefore proudly take receipt of this award on behalf of the CTI Board and our great team of employees and look forward to the positive impact it will undoubtedly bring.”
Partnering with Defence
Air Commodore Adam Sansom, Air Officer for the North of England says:
“We welcome CTI’s endorsement of the Armed Forces Covenant and are delighted to mark the occasion as they become Yorkshire and the Humber’s 800th signatory – a milestone achievement for our armed forces community.
“CTI joins a growing band of employers who recognise the importance of military service personnel to the fabric of our nation and civilian workplaces. The skills and experience that veterans, reservists and cadet force adult volunteers bring to an organisation are invaluable and lend to key organisational strengths such as leadership and teamwork.
“We are also pleased that CTI has achieved the Bronze ERS award. We thank them for their support and look forward to their future developments that will further their commitment to be forces-friendly.”
Employers interested in learning more about AFC and ERS can go to www.rfca-yorkshire.org.uk/employers/ for information.