Godiva is proudly a silver member of the Armed Forces Covenant with ambitions to develop this to Gold status.

This section is dedicated to reflect some of the work we do for those within the armed forces community and their families.

What is the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC)

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

As a Silver member we have been recognised for the work we completed within the Business Unit to support those with military backgrounds, including their family members.

1. SERRVE ERG

In November 2023, we proudly launched a global Employee Resource Group (ERG) called SERRVE.  SERRVE reflects Supporting the Employment of Reservists, Relatives and Veterans Everywhere – an ERG that is focused on our military personnel and their families.

Our ERG is determined to make sure the transition from military life to civilian life, including employment, is supported and that business units within IDEX can have support with reviewing military CVs, interviewing and understanding the skillset of their military candidates.  When we designed and launched the ERG, it was fundamental for us that we supported not only the service leavers and the reservists but also those whose family members serve.  As a platform, we appreciate the transferrable skills and experience that the military provides people and how they have the potential to become assets throughout IDEX.

Whilst we are new to the ERG network, we have hosted one event through one of our members and reservists over in the US.  We are going to grow the sessions and events that we host and have ambitions to collaborate with the other ERGs to increase the events provided to IDEX employees.  These sessions provide opportunities to learn and ask questions whilst celebrating the platform.  It is an exciting time to be part of SERRVE where we have the freedom to create what the future of the platform looks like to support those with military backgrounds and allies. 

As Godiva is part of the IDEX corporation, the ERG has the amazing network throughout the UK and globally – a great way to find the support to suit, network and learn about the military in other countries!

2. Policies to support

At Godiva, we are determined to provide a great working environment for all our valuable colleagues with the drive of our core values of Trust, Team and Excellence.  There are policies in place that will support those with military background and their families to help them continue their work with the military whilst working at Godiva.  Although not exhaustive, this list includes:

1. Additional 10 days paid leave to Armed Forces Reservists to support annual mandatory training camps without colleagues utilising all their paid holiday.
2. Additional 5 days unpaid leave for Cadet Armed Forces Volunteers to support any additional responsibilities they may have. Training opportunities that support the individual in their role (i.e. leadership course) should be discussed with HR to discuss the opportunity of this being paid approved leave.
3. We offer the opportunity for remote working to all colleagues where roles permit.  Whilst this is a normal practice within the business, it is open to those direct relatives of serving personnel because we appreciate the juggling you need to do when your loved one is away and/or deployed.
4. Whilst it is not a policy, our approved SERRVE ERG provides mentoring and support networks for those within the military community (including relatives) and all allies that have the same passion to support those within the community.

3. Recruitment & Military to Civilian transition support

The ERG has been created with the initial focus on supporting all IDEX BUs with recruiting, specifically military candidates and their relatives.  The aim is to add a layer to help translate CVs and experience of military candidates so hiring managers and applicable HR have the scope to understand the potential fit of the candidate with transferrable skills and experience that they would bring to the business.  Within Godiva, this role is completed by Megan Easley – the Business’ Armed Forces Champion.

At Godiva we commit to interview all military candidates (including their direct relatives) that apply for roles and have the required experience and/or qualification.

Linked to our passion to improve the transition experience from military to civilian life, we are working to try and partner with military units to offer opportunities for interview experience and CV reviews in addition to that provided in the resettlement package through CTP.  Whilst the level of this support is limited to workload, anyone interested should contact the Godiva Armed Forces Champion directly – Measley@Idexcorp.com – we would also be open to looking in to placements during resettlement leave so soon to be veterans can experience office life and get an understand of a business in a safe and learning environment, all whilst working with the exciting and life saving products for the fire service!

4. Godiva’s Armed Forces Champion:

Megan Easley – Human Resources Manager.

I am the HR located at Godiva and a founding member of the SERRVE ERG.

After nearly 8 years’ service with the British Army, I have firsthand experience of the skills and experience provided by military careers, along with the challenges faced when moving from military to civilian life. 

I joined the British Army in 2012 originally as an Intelligence Corp linguist after not being too successful with my A-levels and now knowing what else to do as I had no determined career path in mind.  After a year or so, I transferred to the Adjutant General Corps as a Military Personnel Administrator which saw me attached to some very exciting units to support their operational objectives with the bonus of travelling around the world!  In 2016 I was promoted to Corporal and with the training of this level and the Lance Corporal training took on management level roles.  In 2019 I decided to leave the military after gaining a permanent injury.

Within the UK, it is estimated that most service leavers will leave their first post military job within 2 years - mainly due to either taking the wrong role in a panic to transition to civilian life with little support or incompatibility to fit in to the change in culture. 

Being part of the ERG has allowed us to challenge this statistic and make a difference through support to all IDEX Business Units with reviewing CVs, translating skillsets and completing interviews.  We also aim to provide mentoring for those who are in the process or recently have moved from military life (including relatives) to civilian life and an ongoing support network.