Supporting the Armed Forces Community – Strengthening Your Workplace
At What Makes the Difference CIC, we work alongside companies and organisations that are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community — including those who have signed, or are looking to sign, the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and progress through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Our mission is twofold:
- Support members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families into meaningful employment.
- Help employers become recognised as Armed Forces-friendly workplaces of choice.
Helping You Honour the Covenant in Practice
Signing the AFC is an important statement of intent — but we’re here to help you bring that commitment to life inside your organisation. We support you to:
- Attract and retain talent from the Armed Forces community
- Understand the unique strengths and challenges faced by veterans, reservists, service leavers, and family members
- Create inclusive policies and practices that support people transitioning into civilian work
- Build awareness and skills among your leadership and HR teams through training and workshops
- Develop a culture that goes beyond compliance — and becomes a genuine strength of your employer brand
Support into Employment
We provide tailored support for individuals in the Armed Forces community — helping them prepare for, access, and thrive in employment. This includes:
- Career coaching
- Interview and transition readiness
- Confidence-building and skills identification
- Ongoing support post-employment to ensure long-term success
Whether someone is leaving service, returning after deployment, or managing the demands of military family life, we ensure they feel equipped, welcomed, and understood in your workplace.
Become an Employer of Choice
We work with you to help your organisation not only meet the standards of the Bronze, Silver or Gold ERS awards, but also become a workplace that truly values and integrates the experience, discipline, and diversity that veterans and their families bring.
Through partnership with us, your business will:
- Stand out in your sector as a Forces-friendly employer
- Strengthen your social value credentials in tenders and funding applications
- Boost staff loyalty and morale through inclusive and values-led employment practices
- Gain access to a wider talent pool of skilled, capable, and motivated individuals
Already Signed the Covenant? Looking to Do More?
We help organisations at all stages of their Armed Forces Covenant journey. Whether you’re:
- Just starting to explore what it means to be a Forces-friendly employer
- Looking to strengthen your practices as you go for ERS Silver or Gold
- Or already signed and ready to embed change more deeply across your teams
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re ready to turn your AFC pledge into real, lasting impact — and become an employer of choice for the Armed Forces community — we’d love to talk.
hello@whatmakesthedifference.org to find out how we can support your organisation. Or fill out the form below.
