SaBRE is dedicated to gaining and maintaining the support of employers for the Volunteer Reserve Forces (VRF). There are a number of ways that you can demonstrate your support and SaBRE has created a series of templates and examples to help you.
- Why give support?
- What's the best way to demonstrate support?
- Adopt a code of practice
- Example human resources policy
Why give support?
The intensive training that Reservists undertake fosters a wide range of skills and qualities, which translate directly into greater effectiveness in the workplace.The more your Reservist employees can take advantage of these opportunities, the greater their potential to add value in the workplace.
What's the best way to demonstrate support?
Having established policies and procedures for the issues which arise from employing Reservists is the best way of demonstrating support.If you would like to confirm your support in writing, see Become a supportive employer.
Make sure that you know and understand your rights and obligations and those of your Reservist employees.
Adopt a code of practice
A number of basic steps can help to establish a strong working relationship with Reservists on your staff, while extracting optimum value for your organisation.
SaBRE recommends that you have supportive policies and procedures towards Reservists. It has also developed a simple code of practice to help you manage Reservist employees consistently:
- Learn more about the VRF. (See Links to VRF websites.)
- Speak to your Reservist employees to find out their basic training commitments and dates of annual camp. (See also Training commitment.)
- Ensure your personnel policies accommodate and support participation in the VRF. SaBRE has produced an example human resources policy, which you can use. (See example human resources policy.)
- Get in touch with your regional SaBRE contact if you want more advice. SaBRE also provides a dedicated helpline and email enquiry service.
- Get to know your Reservist's Unit Employer Support Officer (UESO).
- Get your management team to promote your organisation's support for the VRF. Explain your position to them and address any concerns they may raise.
- Put your support in writing and display the SaBRE certificate prominently so that employees can see that you support the VRF. (See Become a supportive employer.)
- Have a regular dialogue with your Reservist employees.
Example human resources policy
This example of an HR policy for supportive employers of Reservists is similar to those adopted by many existing supportive organisations. It is designed to supplement your existing policies and procedures.If you wish to know more, contact your regional SaBRE contact. They will be able to give you further advice on an HR policy that is easy for you to adopt and also provides the best for your employees.
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