This week, Palladium held a signing ceremony of the UK Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing its commitment to being an inclusive employer for those who have served in the military and their families. This pledge marks a significant step in the UK team’s ongoing efforts to support veterans transitioning into civilian life and to recognise the unique value they bring to the workforce.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and with respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.

By signing the Covenant, Palladium joins thousands of UK businesses and organisations in acknowledging the sacrifices made by service personnel and committing to practical support for their reintegration into civilian employment.

Supporting Veterans Through Employment

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a profound and often difficult shift. Veterans face a range of challenges, from navigating fragmented support systems to overcoming barriers to employment. In the UK, there are over 3,000 charities dedicated to supporting ex-service personnel, yet the landscape remains complex and under-resourced. Alarmingly, recent figures suggest that around 3,500 veterans are currently homeless — a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated support.

Palladium’s signing of the Covenant is not just symbolic — it comes with tangible commitments. The company is actively advertising roles through armed forces-affiliated job networks and encouraging applications from individuals with military backgrounds. This includes outreach through specialised forums and representation at veteran-focused networking events.

“We want veterans to know they are welcome here,” says Tom Onions, Palladium’s Employability and Community Services Manager. “Signing the Covenant means we’re not just saying we support the armed forces community — we’re backing it up with action. We’re making sure our job postings reach the right people through encouraging veterans to apply, and we’re showing up in the spaces where veterans are looking for their next opportunity.”

Championing Veteran Inclusion

Central to Palladium’s efforts is Charles Page, Palladium’s Director of Global Safety and Security. He joined the company shortly after leaving the British Army as a Scots Guards Brigadier in 2017. “I have seen the quality, focus and hard work Service personnel bring to any role,” says Page. “There is a mass of untapped talent out there and our connections through the Armed Forces Covenant will give us greater exposure to what is on offer. This is going to be a big win for our hiring.”

Page explains that signing the Covenant will not only help widen the pool of high-quality potential hires, but shows the rest of the world that Palladium takes veterans seriously and wants to give them a fair chance of achieving top-quality, long-term employment.

“Veterans bring a wealth of experience, discipline, and resilience that aligns perfectly with many of the roles we offer,” Onions adds. “From project management to logistics and leadership, there are parts of what we do at Palladium that really lend themselves to people with armed forces backgrounds.”

Why This Matters

Research from the UK’s Office for Veterans’ Affairs and organisations like Forces in Mind Trust highlights the importance of employment in successful veteran reintegration. Stable, meaningful work not only provides financial security but also contributes to mental health, social connection, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Yet despite their skills and experience, many veterans struggle to find roles that recognise their unique capabilities. “Our commitment aims to bridge that gap by fostering a workplace culture that values service, supports transition, and promotes long-term career development,” adds Onions.

Looking Ahead

“Employers should give veterans a go,” adds Page. “I think they will quickly find the immense value-add that comes with them.”

By listening to veterans, engaging with support networks, and continuously improving its practices, Palladium hopes to become a model employer for the armed forces community.

“We’re not claiming to have all the answers,” said Onions. “But we’re taking meaningful steps — and we’re proud to stand alongside other organisations that are doing the same. Signing the Covenant is just the beginning.”