Stagecoach awarded Silver in Armed Forces Covenant Employer recognition scheme
- Operator awarded Silver at London ceremony
- The Armed Forces covenant is part of the Ministry of Defence
- Ensures the fair treatment of those who served or have served in the Armed Forces and their families
Stagecoach, the UK’s largest transport provider, has been awarded Silver at the Armed Forces Covenant awards in London.
The operator received the accolade at the awards ceremony hosted in the RAF Club, Piccadilly, thanks to the nomination by its Veterans Network.
As part of a diversity pledge, signed by Stagecoach during National Inclusion Week, the award recognises part of the operator's commitment to build an inclusive workforce representative of the customers and communities it serves.
In August 2021, Stagecoach announced the launch of six Employee Networks, including their Veterans Network, for employees. And with the launch of the Young Managers Network this year, alongside the intended launch of the Wellbeing Network later in 2023, Stagecoach will be ending the year with a total of eight Employee Networks. These groups help create a more inclusive workplace, with each network comprising of employees from varied roles in the business who encourage change and foster space for education.
Resources available within the extensive Armed Forces Network include an employee-based group which covers the UK and offers a space to talk openly amongst peers, share stories, and seek support where necessary.
Simon Tramalloni, Co-Lead of Stagecoach’s Veteran Network, said: “Most people have a connection to the Armed Forces in some way, whether that be family who have served or friends. Ensuring Stagecoach offers a welcoming environment for Veterans is integral.
"Since its launch, the Veterans Network has garnered a fantastic response from employees expressing their appreciation and pride in the network. This demonstrates just how important this space within Stagecoach is.”
Employing over 2000 veterans, Stagecoach values the experience and skills offered by the community. Through their partnership with Department for Work and Pensions, the operator offers interviews to veterans and their family members seeking employment.
Alongside this Stagecoach offers those coming to the UK from Afghanistan, who served alongside the coalition forces, interviews and a quicker application process.
A Stagecoach employee and veteran said; “I came to Stagecoach by accident. After leaving the PARAS I couldn’t settle and was changing jobs all the time and began to feel down. My wife sent my CV to Stagecoach and said this will suit you.
" It's the best thing I have done. I left my armed forces family but gained a new one. I have been promoted and love working for the company and the team.’’
Designed in partnership with the Armed Forces Covenant, Stagecoach recently revealed a new liveried AFC Poppy bus to demonstrate commitment to the Armed Forces Community, families and Veterans.
Alongside this, the operator also offers free UK travel for veterans, serving personnel and cadets and CFAVs on Armed Forces Weekends in June and Remembrance/Armistice Day, or weekend, dependant on the day it falls each year, in November.