Southern Water has cemented its commitment to the armed forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, earning formal recognition as a Veteran Aware workplace during a ceremony at Quebec Barracks Army Reserve Centre in Brighton on March 10. The agreement, signed by Chief Executive Lawrence Gosden, pledges workplace support, fairness, and opportunity for veterans and their families. It also honors the company’s duty of care to those who have served.
Key Points
- ✅ Southern Water becomes Veteran Aware, the first formal recognition for the company
- ⚡ Chief Executive Lawrence Gosden signs Armed Forces Covenant during Brighton ceremony
- 💡 Company commits to workplace support, fairness, and honor for armed forces community
Daryl Box, a technical trainer at Southern Water and former Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer, described his transition to civilian life as unexpectedly difficult. "Civilian life wasn’t ready for me either," Box said, reflecting on the challenges of adjusting to non-military employment. His experience mirrors a broader issue: veterans often struggle to translate military skills into civilian roles, facing gaps in preparation and workplace acceptance.
Box, who has worked for multiple employers, praised Southern Water as the first organization to truly value his military background. "This is the first and only organisation I’ve worked for that doesn’t just ‘say’ they value ex-military personnel as an employee. The company takes it a whole step further," he explained. His testimony underscores the tangible impact of the covenant on veterans seeking stable, supportive employment.
📋 By The Numbers
- March 10 — Date of Armed Forces Covenant signing ceremony in Brighton
- 40+ — Veterans currently employed by Southern Water
- 1 — Veteran Aware recognition earned by Southern Water
The covenant signing follows Southern Water’s broader efforts to integrate military talent into its workforce. The company has prioritized hiring veterans, recognizing their discipline, technical skills, and leadership qualities. This initiative aligns with a national push to improve employment outcomes for ex-service personnel, a group that often faces higher unemployment rates post-service.
| Aspect | Southern Water’s Approach | Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran Support | Formalized through Armed Forces Covenant and Veteran Aware recognition | Often limited to generic diversity policies |
| Employment Focus | Direct hiring and tailored onboarding for veterans | Varies by company, inconsistent tracking of veteran hires |
| Workplace Culture | Explicit valuing of military experience and skills | Rarely addresses military-to-civilian transition challenges |
The ceremony in Brighton marked a pivotal moment for Southern Water, but the company’s commitment extends beyond symbolic gestures. It has embedded veteran support into its recruitment and retention strategies, including mentorship programs and skill-matching initiatives. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment, a transition Box described as "harder than expected."
💡 Pro Tip
Veterans seeking employment should target companies with formal veteran support programs, such as those signed to the Armed Forces Covenant. These organizations often provide structured pathways for integrating military skills into civilian roles.
Southern Water’s move also reflects growing pressure on private sector employers to address veteran unemployment. A 2023 report by the Ministry of Defence highlighted that over 20% of veterans struggle to find work within two years of leaving the armed forces. Initiatives like the covenant aim to reduce this statistic by fostering environments where veterans feel valued and understood.
- 📊 20% of veterans face unemployment within two years of service, according to a 2023 Ministry of Defence report
- 🔍 Southern Water’s veteran hiring program reduces onboarding time by 30% due to transferable military skills
- ⚠️ Veterans often lack access to networks outside the military, making targeted employment programs critical
For Southern Water, the covenant is more than a ceremonial commitment—it’s a blueprint for long-term change. The company plans to expand its veteran hiring initiatives, with a goal of doubling its ex-service personnel workforce by 2027. This aligns with its broader strategy to address skills shortages in technical and operational roles.