Zeelo Signs Covenant In Support Of UK Armed Forces Personnel

Zeelo wishes to celebrate both active military personnel and previously serving veterans to honour their heroism and undeniable service contributions; we will do this by encouraging and supporting business partnerships with the armed forces in line with our own Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance policies.

Zeelo has received a Bronze Award from the MoD as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The Defence ERS encourages businesses to show their support for the military and to persuade other organisations to follow suit. It acknowledges organisations’ ties to the military and their adherence to business principles that are consistent with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Although we are now a global business operating across three countries, Zeelo began life in the United Kingdom and as such the collective respect and patriotism of our employees towards our armed forces has fuelled and strengthened the desire to make this ongoing dedication.

We stand ready to support the military community in the United Kingdom through unique employee engagement opportunities and by working with organisations, charities and think tanks to amplify the reach of educational representations of military history. Both the company and our employees are proud to support organisations, including the Royal British Legion (RBL), SSAFA, and Samaritans with programmatic support, donations, and volunteering projects.

Sam Ryan, CEO & Co-Founder

In addition, Zeelo has and will continue looking for new opportunities to bring talented veterans into our organisation and will look to focus on hiring more veterans through partners like The Officers’ Association and the Career Transition Partnership to support the transition into civilian life. We already have several former serving armed forces personnel within our own ranks whose skill and expertise in IT and operations have made them an indispensable part of our workforce.

Our IT manager, Joseph McPherson who previously served in the Royal Corps of Signals was trained to become a specialist in cyber security, networks and communications (as just a few examples) during his tenure with the armed forces; skills that are a vital component of business in today’s progressive digital age. Joseph is a shining example of critical skills translating from military to civilian life and we are grateful to have his expert skill and knowledge within our organisation.

It is a pleasure to be part of a company that is proud to support the armed forces. Signing the covenant shows service leavers, reservists and veterans that they will be supported here at Zeelo and is a testament to the internal culture that we have and continue to develop. I look forward to welcoming other veterans and service leavers into the business and hope that the signing of the covenant inspires other companies to follow suit.

Joseph McPherson, IT Manager

Joseph will also be undertaking a fundraising exercise for SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity. He and a group of friends and colleagues will be conducting a loaded march over 100 kilometres from London’s Admiralty Arch to Brighton Pier within 24 hours – weighted! We commend Joseph and his team for their fortitude and commitment to supporting current and ex-serving armed forces members. We hope this will serve as inspiration for others within our organisation looking to support worthy causes.

To learn more about this team fundraiser or donate to a fantastic cause yourself, please follow this link.

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How Zeelo Will Support Those Who Have Or Continue To Serve In The Military

Zeelo will work to respect the ideals of the Covenant in support of those who have served or are currently serving, their families, and the value they can add to our company and society at large through five specific areas:

1. By promoting the fact that we are an Armed Forces-friendly organisation, to our staff, clients, suppliers, contractors and the wider public.

2. By supporting the employment of veterans, recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process; working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to support the employment of Service leavers.

3. By supporting our employees who are members of the Reserve Forces; granting additional unpaid leave for annual Reserve Forces training; supporting any mobilisations and deployment; actively encouraging members of staff to become Reservists.

4. By supporting Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day, Poppy Appeal Day and various other Remembrance activities/events.

5. By supporting Armed Forces charities with fundraising and supporting staff who volunteer to assist in such endeavours.

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While these points form the central tenants of our dedication, we as an organisation will always be on the lookout for new opportunities to showcase our support and admiration for those in the military, whether they be actively serving or veterans. Our commitment goes beyond what we have outlined above and will strive to do whatever it takes to ensure that those in service to our country are treated with dignity and respect. We also take this opportunity to invite like-minded organisations to make their own declarations and actively encourage businesses and charities to make the pledge by signing their own Armed Forces Covenant.

To review our commitment in full, please follow this link