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Former Welsh Guard praises housebuilder employer for industry-first MOD Gold Award

- 29 Aug 19

A former Welsh Guard near Bristol, who was medically discharged from the military before being offered an opportunity at a national housebuilder, says he is proud to work for an employer that has gained a top award for supporting military personnel.

Josh Beesley, who is trainee assistant site manager at Bovis Homes’ Charlton Hayes location, said there were opportunities at the housebuilder for both young and older military personnel.

Bovis Homes achieved the Ministry of Defence (MOD)'s Employee Recognition Gold Award – the first dedicated housebuilder to receive the accolade - for a raft of initiatives, including providing employment opportunities and helping those connected to the military onto the housing ladder.

Josh, 26, said: “For many young people leaving the armed forces, it can feel quite daunting trying to find civilian work.

“But Bovis Homes were there to give me an opportunity and train me and I’m not surprised the company has won the Gold Award.

“I’m very proud to work for a housebuilder that has achieved this and continues to show commitment to those with a military background, no matter how old they are.”

Bovis Homes has introduced a trainee assistant site manager programme, which targets ex-armed forces personnel. In 2017, the housebuilder received the MOD’s ERS Silver Award.

The company is also a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

There are around 100 armed forces veterans out of 1,300 employees within the housebuilder, including site managers, technical staff and trainers. The business also offers discount schemes to help servicemen and women buy a home.

Greg Fitzgerald, CEO of Bovis Homes, said: “I am extremely proud to see Bovis Homes receive this award. Having started this journey just over three years ago with the signing the Armed Forces Covenant, we have come a long way in a short space of time.

“The armed forces make a vital contribution to society and our security, and we are leading the way in the housebuilding sector to ensure their efforts are championed in the world of business.

“This award marks a new chapter for Bovis Homes and our commitment to this cause. Whether you're a reservist and need extra time off to fulfil your duties, or coming back into the world of housebuilding after a stint or career in the armed forces, Bovis Homes is ready to offer assistance and support.”

The Gold Award is the highest accolade given to employers who demonstrate forces-friendly credentials through a rigorous application process, adjusting human resources policies to allow flexibility for reservists and supporting individuals transitioning out of the armed forces into a new career.

As part of this award, the employer must proactively demonstrate these and other credentials to their existing workforce, as well as part of their recruitment process.