Cambridge Management Consulting Pledges Support to the Armed Forces Covenant

At Cambridge Management Consulting, we are built on a commitment to social values and opportunities for giving back to society. As such, we are proud to announce that we have signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), cementing our extension of this equality and awareness to existing and future employee with military affiliations. 

Enshrined in law in 2011, former Prime Minister David Cameron explained the importance of the Covenant in his intention to make it a legal obligation:

‘Whether it’s the schools you send your children to, whether it’s the healthcare that you expect, whether it’s the fact that there should be a decent military ward for anyone who gets injured. I want all of these things refreshed and renewed and written down in a military covenant that’s written into the law of the land.’

In other words, the Armed Forces Covenant requires a shared understanding and acknowledgement that those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families should be provided with ‘fairness and respect’ in the communities they serve or have served. Despite the Covenant being primarily directed towards Public Sector bodies, particularly those affiliated with Healthcare, Education, and Housing, it is also open to private entities wishing to partake, and in 2024 Cambridge Management Consulting has chosen to strengthen our regard for the Armed Forces by signing it – read on to learn why, and more about the AFC.

Social Values

At Cambridge MC, our dedication to social values is intrinsic and wide-reaching. To support non-profit organisations close to these principles, we provision at least 1% of our time, 1% of our profits, and 1% of our equity annually (more details on initiatives close to the company can be read here). Our commitment to sustainability and accelerating the path to net-zero is channelled through our sister-company, edenseven, who support companies to decarbonise their operations. And we recognise and uplift the importance of youth development through our partnership with Pembroke College’s Leadership, Enterprise & Adventure at Pembroke (LEAP) Programme, which secures transformational internship opportunities for their students.

Now, we are galvanising our appreciation for the invaluable service provided by members of our organisation who have been involved with the armed forces, and the immeasurable impact felt by family members of our team who have taken up the same duty. At Cambridge MC, 23% of our employees currently have close family members who have served in the UK Armed Forces, and 45% have had or do have family members serving Globally in the Armed Forces. As such, we recognise the unique skills and values they bring to any organisation, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that supports them in their careers and beyond. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, we have made the following pledge:

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and to our country.

A Simple and Timeless Statement

Although only published in May 2011, the wording of the Covenant emphasises that its promise encapsulates a much longer, and stronger history. ‘The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm,’ it explains, ‘Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty.’

The Statutory Guidance on the Armed Forces Covenant Duty details these numerous substantial sacrifices and life changes that accompany the service that members of the armed forces have volunteered to provide, including the obvious ‘wide range of threats of violence’ they risk, and the geographical mobility they must be ready to accept. Further to this, the Guidance highlights emotional factors associated with separation from both their loved ones and civilian life, as well as the hours of work they endure and the stress this accumulates.

In short, Cameron referred to the military as ‘the noblest end of public service’, and Cambridge MC looks to reciprocate this to the best of our abilities by signing the Covenant.

Principles of the Covenant

The Covenant Duty ‘does not mandate what organisations do’, in order to ensure that they have the flexibility to balance local needs within the local context. Instead, the Duty only seeks to encourage organisations involved to raise and maintain awareness of the impacts associated with service life as outlined above.

In other words, by signing the Covenant, Cambridge MC have promised to internalise the following principles:

• No member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen.

• In some circumstances, special treatment may be appropriate, especially for the injured or bereaved.

Furthermore, Cambridge MC is honoured to uphold and demonstrate this promise through the following:

• Promoting the Armed Forces: Promoting our position as an Armed Forces-friendly organisation to our staff, customers, suppliers, contractors, and wider public.

• Veterans: Supporting the employment of veterans, recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process; working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to support the employment of Service leavers.

• Reserves: Supporting our employees who are members of the Reserve Forces; granting additional paid leave for annual Reserve Forces training; supporting any mobilisations and deployment; and actively encouraging members of staff to become Reservists.

• Cadet Organisations: Supporting our employees who are volunteer leaders in military cadet organisations, granting additional leave to attend annual training camps and courses; actively encouraging members of staff to become volunteer leaders in cadet organisations; supporting local military cadet units; and recognising the benefits of employing cadets/ex-cadets within the workforce.

• Service Spouses & Partners: Supporting the employment of Service spouses and partners; partnering with the Forces Families Jobs Forum; and providing flexibility in granting leave for Service spouses and partners before, during, and after a partner’s deployment.

• National Events: Supporting Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day, the Poppy Appeal, and Remembrance Activities.

• Armed Forces Charities: Supporting Armed Forces charities with fundraising and supporting staff who volunteer to assist.

Looking Ahead: the AFC Network

At Cambridge MC, we do not believe in ticking a box, and our commitment to the Armed Forces Community is not static in our signing of the Covenant. To continue raising awareness and empowerment, we have established an Armed Forces Network, bringing together those across our organisation with involvement or family members in the Armed Forces with the purpose of sharing experiences and mutual support.

As our company continues to grow, so too will this community, and we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to welcome veterans and reservists with their unique skills and experiences into the team.

For more information about the Covenant and our pledge specifically, click here.