The UK Defence ESG Charter brings together organisations committed to improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, helping to build a more sustainable, resilient and responsible sector for the future.

Charter signatories have long been key employers of UK veterans, collectively employing more than 2,500 veterans across the sector. In the latest annual report, that figure represented a robust 7% year-on-year increase, alongside a sustained 100% adherence to the Armed Forces Covenant for at least two consecutive years.

Here are two initiatives showcased in the report…

CASE STUDY: QINETIQ

UNLOCKING TALENT IN THE MILITARY FAMILY

Getting back on the career ladder when partners serve in the military is notoriously challenging. Frequent moves and solo parenting often mean CV gaps that traditional employers might shy away from. QinetiQ has been tackling this head-on by partnering with Recruit for Spouses to run paid, three-month placements specifically for this community.

It is designed as a genuine bridge back into the professional world, giving talented individuals the space to rebuild confidence and update their skills without the fear of being sidelined.

The real gamechanger here is the baked-in flexibility. Participants complete 21 hours of paid work a week and have the ability to customise their working schedules to fit around other life responsibilities, with the option to take school holidays off entirely. Moreover, with a dedicated QinetiQ Buddy and a specialist coach at hand, spouses and partners get valuable networking opportunities and guidance on interviews, turning a short-term placement into a launchpad for a long-term career.

“My placement with QinetiQ—made possible through the brilliant support of RfS—has opened so many doors for me. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of two such inspiring organisations. Both teams have been unbelievably welcoming and encouraging, and their support has genuinely helped me grow and reach my potential as a military spouse. I’m truly grateful for this experience and the incredible people behind it.”
Sarah Bamber, Military Spouse

CASE STUDY: RINA TECH UK

UK SUPPORTING RESERVISTS WITHIN THE WORKFORCE

In 2024, following the reconciliation of RINA Consulting Defence Ltd with RINA Tech UK Ltd, the new joint single entity successfully retained its MOD Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award status. Working together closely with the MoD Regional Defence Relationship Management team in South West England, RINA Tech UK has been a proud supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant.

As part of RINA’s engagement strategy to ensure a strong relationship with reservists, veterans, and their families, the engineering consultancy has actively supported both sponsorship and charity activities in 2024. RINA, as gold sponsors, supported the Educational and Training Services Branch of the Army as they undertook the World’s Toughest Row event in 2024, successfully finishing in Antigua in January 2025. We also remain long-term supporters of charities such as SSAFA and the White Ensign Association.

About the UK Defence ESG Charter

The UK Defence ESG Charter is a collaborative effort by the UK’s defence sector that aims to drive ambition and action on sustainability. Promoting greater transparency, signatories to the Charter are dedicated to working together to meet commitments focused on climate transition and clean tech, societal impact and governance and ethics.

The UK Defence ESG Charter now has 18 signatories, from an initial seven inaugural companies. Each has supported ADS through data and case studies in the composition of our annual reports. The Charter itself was also shortlisted for the 2025 Trade Association Forum Awards in the category: Environment, Social & Governance Initiative of the Year.

Contact us on esg@adsgroup.org.uk for more information and to get involved.