Armed Forces Covenant signed by Southern Water

We have signed an Armed Forces Covenant which now recognises Southern Water as a Veteran Aware workplace.

The signing took place at the Army Reserve Centre, Quebec Barracks in Brighton on Tuesday 10 March, and is a public and lasting commitment to support those who have served in the armed forces, and their families. 

Lawrence Gosden, CEO at Southern Water said: “Our commitment recognises the service and sacrifice people have made to the armed forces. By signing this agreement, we promise to provide support in the workplace, promote fairness and opportunity, and honour our duty of care to the armed forces community.”

Grant Kane, joined the army as a mechanical engineer and served as a Warrant Officer across Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Canada and Cyprus. He is currently an Asset Maintenance Programme Manager at Southern Water.

Grant said: “I joined the Army as a mechanical engineer planning to complete a four-year apprenticeship and leave but 22 years flew by. I would say to anyone preparing to leave the military, have a plan. Believe in the value of your experience and don’t underestimate what you can bring to civilian organisations.”

Grant has worked at Southern Water for four years delivering transformational change and founding our veteran’s community. The company has more than 40 ex-armed forces employees. 

Granted continued, “For many veterans, working for an organisation that has signed the Armed Forces Covenant provides an immediate sense of trust and reassurance.

“Veterans often worry that their skills may be misunderstood or undervalued in civilian recruitment processes. Knowing an employer has pledged to uphold the Covenant helps reduce that uncertainty and reinforces that their background will be seen as an asset, not a barrier.”

The covenant will bring significant benefits to our organisation through its access to a highly skilled talent pool, our ability to form richer partnerships and supports our social value commitments.

Our pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant signifies our commitment not only to our community but also to inclusion - two areas which are of vital importance to Southern Water.