Centrica plc: Centrica restates commitment to armed forces

Centrica has doubled down on its commitment to the armed forces, resigning the armed forces covenant and achieving the silver award as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Earlier this year, Centrica launched the Pathway programme, which aims to recruit 500 ex-forces staff by the end of 2023 – as part of the company’s efforts to help customers get to net zero. So far it has welcomed over 130 former service personnel, veterans, reservists, spouses and partners into roles across the business.

“Those leaving the forces come equipped with many of the professional and people skills we need to push the business forward”

Head of the Pathway Programme Laura Blair

At a special armed forces day at Taunton Rugby Club, Head of the Pathway Programme Laura Blair reaffirmed the commitment to veterans by signing the armed forces covenant, last signed by Centrica in 2013, which recognises the value of service personnel to a business, and ensures that no member of the armed forces community faces disadvantages at work.

Laura Blair said, “Centrica and British Gas have a rich history of providing second, rewarding careers to those leaving the armed forces. Those leaving the forces come equipped with many of the professional and people skills we need to push the business forward as we seek to reach net zero.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said: “Through their military service, veterans have fantastic skills and knowledge that they can bring to a range of careers in civilian life.

“So it’s fantastic to see that Centrica is stepping up their commitment to the Armed Forces community – employing more veterans and reaffirming their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.”

“It’s fantastic to see that Centrica is stepping up their commitment to the Armed Forces community – employing more veterans and reaffirming their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer

The silver level Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), acknowledges that an employer proactively demonstrates that service personnel and the armed forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruiting and selection processes.

The Pathway programme is run in-house with an emphasis on recruiting Armed Forces talent into roles across the Centrica business. The company is particularly keen to attract women into the programme, resulting in greater diversity within the Centrica workforce. With women representing just 12 per cent of the armed forces, Centrica is encouraging military spouses to apply for roles within the organisation.

As part of the Pathway, Centrica works with military charities that specialise in supporting the transition to life after service as well as service and regimental associations and ex-forces networks.