When we announced back in April that we'd pledged our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we said up-front that we were throwing our full weight behind it. Our goal was to reach their Silver status by the summer, and we did so with time to spare. This was a significant milestone for us, but the journey continues and we’re only picking up the pace. As MD Bradley Post puts it:

“RIFT's support for Britain's Armed Forces doesn’t end with the £56 million we've already reclaimed for former and serving MOD personnel. Our partnership with ABF The Soldiers' Charity means promoting and participating closely in their work - on top of over £180,000 we’ve donated to the charity directly.”

With so many people on our staff coming from military backgrounds or families, signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant was a natural and appropriate step for RIFT – and a reflection of the respect we hold for those who risk their lives defending ours. Working toward Silver status meant taking an even closer look at what we could do to fight for the fair treatment of Service personnel and veterans. We already go to great lengths to support that goal out in the wider spheres of industry and society, but it's equally essential to make that same difference within our own business. For example, we’ve recently added paid holiday time for Armed Forces Reservists, devised flexible working hours for Cadet Adult Volunteers and established new Service leaver roles and specialist veteran liaison teams.

Beyond tax refunds, RIFT also has a proud history of helping Service leavers find their paths after a military career. Armed Forces work calls for cool heads, skilled hands and a willingness to shoulder daunting responsibilities. These are all admirable qualities, and in high demand throughout the UK economy. Sectors from security and construction to offshore work in the oil and gas industry are crying out for people with MOD backgrounds, and we're doing all we can to help them make that transition. Shaun Micallef-Green, RIFT’s Armed forces Liaison Officer, explains:

“As an Armed Forces Veteran, I've been impressed by how hard RIFT works with the military community. Their readiness to create roles specifically for military Veterans is testament to the value they place on their skills. Service leavers often find life outside the military difficult. We're helping to smooth the path for former MOD personnel moving into civilian work. Furthermore, many Service leavers are starting businesses of their own. Again, there's a range of things we can do to ensure those fledgling enterprises grow strong roots.”

From here on, RIFT is only going to push even harder to honour the commitment and sacrifices of the UK's Armed Forces. We've got our sights firmly set on the AFC's Gold tier, and we're going all-out to achieve it. Signing up to the Covenant is only one of the steps we're taking, but it's one we're intensely proud of and strongly believe in.

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