An Introduction to the Armed Forces Covenant
As we mark Reserves Day (25 June) and Armed Forces Day (28 June) this week, we’re reminded that honouring service is about more than celebration – it’s about lasting support. Our commitment through the Armed Forces Covenant is just one way we continue to recognise and uphold that promise.
At UMBRA International, we’re proud to support those who’ve served. Our connection to the Armed Forces runs deep – personally and professionally – so aligning with the Armed Forces Covenant felt like a natural fit.
But what is the Armed Forces Covenant, and why does it matter? Put simply, it’s a promise. A voluntary pledge made by organisations and individuals across the UK to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community – serving personnel, veterans, and their families – are treated fairly and with respect. Whether it’s access to healthcare, housing, education, or employment, the Covenant works to remove barriers and promote real opportunity. There’s no one way to support the Covenant. It looks different for every signatory, which is what makes it so meaningful.
In this blog, we sat down with Emma from the UMBRA team to talk about why it matters to us, and how we’re finding ways, big and small, to play our part. If you’re interested in learning more or exploring how your organisation could get involved, visit this link.
UMBRA’s Role in Supporting the Armed Forces Covenant
To understand how UMBRA brings its commitment to life, we spoke with Emma, who has supported Armed Forces engagement within the team.
Emma, can you tell us about your role in relation to the Armed Forces Covenant?
At UMBRA, I’ve supported our community engagement and talent integration efforts, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. My role has focused on helping turn that pledge into action – by creating pathways for Veterans and service leavers into meaningful roles, raising awareness across our network, and contributing to a supportive environment for military families.
Why the Armed Forces Covenant Matters to UMBRA
It aligns closely with our values as a company. At UMBRA, we work in a space where trust, discipline, and resilience are vital – qualities that are deeply ingrained in those who’ve served in the military. The Covenant provides a meaningful framework for us to recognise and support those strengths, and to ensure our workplace is inclusive and supportive of Veterans and their families. For us, championing the AFC is not only the right thing to do, it also brings invaluable perspectives and skills into our business.
Becoming a signatory is not a checkbox exercise. The Armed Forces Covenant is part of a living, evolving commitment – one that rightly demands ongoing engagement. We’ve welcomed the robust and thoughtful process of joining, which included formal review, dialogue, and follow-ups. It’s a long-term relationship that continues to shape how we work, and we’ve found the regular check-ins both useful and grounding.
The UK Government’s Defence Committee Report (April 2025) highlights that while many organisations sign the Covenant in good faith, too often the principles are inconsistently understood or applied. The report emphasises the need for better implementation, clearer guidance, and meaningful accountability across all sectors. As the government moves to strengthen the Covenant by putting it “fully into law,” and voices like the Royal British Legion call for deeper delivery standards, we believe now is the time to raise the bar – not just sign the pledge.
At UMBRA, we’re committed to doing the work, listening, and adapting – so that our support for those who’ve served is not just visible but truly felt.
Voices from the Armed Forces Community
Here are just a few reflections we’ve received from members of the Armed Forces community we’ve worked with:
– As a Veteran and current Reservist it is businesses like UMBRA going above and beyond – despite their size – that demonstrates the spirit of the Armed Forces Covenant. Giving opportunities to members of the Armed Forces community, their families and supporting those of us still involved in the fabric of military life is hugely beneficial on many levels. – Hamza Huda, Veteran, Reservist, UMBRA Shadow Board Member
– Through innovative initiatives, UMBRA has shown an extraordinary ability to support Veterans, Reservists, and their families in meaningful and impactful ways. Their proactive approach to embedding these values into their business practices serves as a powerful example for larger organisations, proving that size is no barrier to making a significant difference. – Rt. Hon Tobias Ellwood
– Kate Bright and the company have shown unwavering commitment to the Veteran and Armed Forces community, consistently going above and beyond in their efforts. From actively engaging with individuals transitioning out of the military and offering tailored career guidance, to providing valuable insights on fostering cultural change in the security sector, UMBRA exemplifies the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. – Col L M Giles CBE
How UMBRA Supports Veterans and Military Families in the Workplace
At UMBRA, we understand that supporting the Armed Forces community means more than focusing solely on Veterans. It also includes the spouses, partners, and families who play a vital role behind the scenes – and often face unique challenges of their own. That’s why our approach is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and responsive to real-life circumstances:
- Offering remote-first, flexible roles to accommodate the needs of Veterans, reservists, and military family members – whether due to deployments, relocations, or caregiving responsibilities
- Providing tailored career transition support for those leaving the military, as well as pathways into meaningful work for their partners and spouses
- Creating a workplace culture that values resilience, adaptability, and lived experience
- Actively raising awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant and encouraging others to join the effort
For us, it’s about recognising the whole community and making sure our workplace supports those who support others – at home and in service.
Case Study: From the Forces to the Private Sector
Ceri Edney dedicated ten years to the UK Armed Forces, serving in various telecommunications roles and participating in multiple active deployments worldwide. Upon transitioning to civilian life, Ceri leveraged her extensive experience to build a successful career in the security industry, undertaking operational, risk analysis, and advisory roles both in the UK and internationally. Her commitment to excellence and continuous growth led her to UMBRA International, where she now serves as the Head of UMBRA Secure. In this capacity, Ceri is responsible for managing and implementing a wide range of security solutions for clients globally. Ceri’s journey exemplifies the valuable contributions that veterans bring to the private sector and underscores UMBRA’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community through meaningful employment opportunities.
Conclusion – A Pledge in Action
Our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant goes beyond signing a document. It’s something we live through our hiring practices, internal culture, and partnerships. If you’re a Veteran, service leaver, or military family member looking for your next chapter, we’d love to hear from you. And if you’re an organisation thinking about how to support the Armed Forces community – there’s never been a better time to get involved!
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