We’re Supporting Armed Forces Day and Reserves Day 2023

Every year on the last Saturday in June Armed Forces Day takes place. On Saturday June 24, individuals, communities and organisations up and down the country will come together to show their support for the UK’s armed services which total 190,710 including both trained and untrained personnel.

Armed Forces Day celebrations take place throughout this week, beginning on Monday 19 June when the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country. Reserves Day on Wednesday 21 June also provides an opportunity for the country to recognise our Reserve Forces.

At GSA we have affirmed our commitment to supporting those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) is a pledge to acknowledge that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.

In November last year, we were delighted to be awarded silver status in the AFC Employer Recognition Scheme.

Amy Green our Recruitment Lead said “Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much-valued morale boost for the troops and their families. But it isn’t about flying the flag one day a year, at GSA we are proud to be recognised for the way we support former military personnel and reservists among our colleagues.

“We are looking to build on our offer for current and past service people and aiming for Gold status in the AFC Employer Recognition Scheme in the future."

To attain silver status organisations must: have signed the AFC, stated their intent to be supportive by using the Employer Recognition Scheme website to register at the Bronze Level, demonstrate that Service personnel and the Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged as part of their recruiting and selection processes and ensure that their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards Defence People issues through references in job descriptions or on the organisation’s website.

Silver award winners must also demonstrate support for mobilisations or have a framework in place within the context of Reserves and allow for training by providing at least five days of additional leave.

You can find out what events are taking place to marked Armed Forces Day and Reserves Day here.