Wartsila Water Systems Ltd is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). This award recognizes our commitment to supporting those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families.
Our Managing Director, Cathy Stephenson, shared the following statement:
I am delighted to announce that Wartsila Water Systems Ltd has been awarded the Armed Forces Covenant for our commitment in supporting the employment of ex-service personnel in the U.K.
As the leader of a diverse marine business I am passionate about employing talented, committed and engaged people from a wide range of backgrounds with a variety of skillsets. I have seen firsthand, on many occasions, the positive impact employing ex-service personnel has on a business and recognise the valuable skills they bring to the civilian workforce. The Armed Forces Covenant allows us to make a public pledge to treat former military personnel fairly and with respect, and to actively ensure that they and their families receive equal opportunities and support where possible in our organisation.
The Armed Forces Covenant is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a tangible way for businesses to show their support for those who have served their country by helping them transition back into civilian life and to advance their career outside of a military environment. Many ex-service personnel face challenges when leaving the military, including finding stable employment, adapting to a new work environment, and dealing with the psychological, emotional and physical impact of their service. By being awarded the covenant, Wartsila Water Systems commits to provide a supportive and understanding workplace for these individuals, where they can build successful careers and add demonstrable value to organisations after their time served.
Furthermore, I believe ex-service personnel bring a unique set of skills and qualities to the workplace that are valuable to businesses who are able to offer them opportunities. These individuals have received rigorous training, developed strong teamwork and leadership skills, have a robust work ethic and a strong sense of discipline. They are also adaptable, resilient, and able to perform well under pressure, making them valuable assets to any organisation. By employing ex-service personnel, Wartsila Water Systems is not only supporting these individuals during the next phase of their working life but is also gaining access to a pool of talented and dedicated employees who can help drive our business forward.
I am proud to recognise that just under 20% of our employees are ex-service personnel and these talented team members work across our business as experts in field service, sales, project delivery, and aftersales with some also leading teams and overseeing critical operational aspects of our business. These individuals offer a wealth of experience and expertise that benefit our organisation in a variety of ways from providing extensive technical customer support to improving our operational efficiency, enhancing our leadership and management capabilities to championing and implementing new ways of working.
Recognising the importance of family, we undertake to offer a degree of flexibility, where possible, for those with serving partners before, during and after deployment. We also commit to supporting Reservists with additional leave and also those employees who are volunteer leaders in military cadet organisations.
By signing the covenant, we are not only doing our part to honour and recognise the contribution made by those who have served in the military, or supported those who have, but we also reap the benefits of employing individuals with a unique set of skills and qualities that can help contribute to our business success.