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.
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:
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 that 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 the company.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.)
- Find out about the basic training commitments and when Annual Camp is, by speaking to your Reservist employees. (See also Training commitment.)
- Ensure that 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 e-mail enquiry service. Get to know the Commanding Officer in your Reservist employee's Unit - your regional SaBRE contact can help here. Don't hesitate to call on your employee's military commanders if you have a conflict of interest.
- Get your management team to promote your organisation's support for the Reserve Forces. 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 Reserve Forces. (See Become a supportive employer.)
- Have a regular dialogue with your Reservist employees.
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