Nottingham based security training firm, OPKiT, is the latest company to sign up to a scheme that supports businesses employing military reservists.
The SaBRE scheme (Supporting Britain’s Reservists & Employers), was set up by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to help employers and reservists understand and support each other. SaBRE provides free impartial information and advice on matters relating to the employment of reservists, including financial assistance for employers. SaBRE can also help companies formulate a code of practice covering all the considerations surrounding reservist employment.
OPKiT joins hundreds of companies across the East Midlands which have signed up to the SaBRE scheme and are already benefiting from the range of guidelines and advice available.
OPKiT company director, Guy Hughes, said: “As a company we believe it’s vital we don’t miss out on the skills and knowledge reservists bring with them. We firmly support the Armed Forces and believe that reservists play a vitally important role within this nation’s defence capability..
“OPKiT is a growing company which predominantly provides training to people wanting to enter the private security industry. We offer a discount to people either about to leave the forces or those who already have.
“Thanks to the SaBRE scheme, we can offer support to reservist employees and help them manage their workload alongside the demands of their military training commitments. We have been able to update our company policies to reflect this, and show prospective employees that we understand they may need extra time to fulfil their reservist role..”
The company joins a long list of East Midlands’ employers of all ‘shapes and sizes’ that have signed up to the MOD’s scheme, including local councils, NHS trusts and big employers such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota, DHL, and East Midlands Trains.
Colonel John Wilson, East Midlands regional campaign director for SaBRE, said:
“Reservists could not train to the high standards of professionalism required and carry out their important role, without the understanding, co-operation and support of employers. Many employers across the region are giving invaluable support to workers by providing leave flexibility so that reservist employees can fulfill their military training commitment. Every company that makes a commitment to support reservist employees is doing a great thing, not only for their employees, but for their country.
“In return, the transferable skills and attributes that reservists gain through reserve forces’ training and mobilisation can be hugely beneficial to the employer. Skills obtained include communications, management, and logistics, and attributes such as decision making and working as a team are tested to the limit. The results can help to improve their self-confidence and personal development, leadership abilities and organisational skills all of which are transferrable to the workplace.
“SaBRE aims to encourage employer companies and organisations to understand the importance of reservists and to become a ‘supportive employer’.”
