UBDS Group
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We UBDS Group will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 UBDS Group recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- UK Reservists
We also pledge the following:

At UBDS Group, we actively recruit and support former Armed Forces personnel and their partners, recognising the unique skills and experiences they bring. We are committed to providing meaningful career opportunities and long-term support to help them thrive in civilian employment. We offer flexible and remote working options to support the mobility of the Armed Forces Community, particularly for partners and spouses. Where client agreements allow, we facilitate remote working from deployment locations to ensure career continuity while supporting family commitments. These arrangements are regularly reviewed to ensure individuals receive the necessary support when working outside the UK. Currently, UBDS Group employs twelve ex-service personnel and spouses. We also work closely with FDM, a strategic partner known for its award-winning programme supporting ex-forces professionals and their spouses in transitioning to civilian careers. Our commitment extends beyond recruitment; we invest in the growth and development of our ex-forces colleagues. In our most recent bi-annual salary review, four ex-forces employees received salary increases, and one was recognised as top talent, earning a promotion and additional leadership training. UBDS Group is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring that those who serve or have served along with their families are given the opportunities and support they deserve in the workplace. Communications, engagement and outreach (Ongoing Support for the Armed Forces Community): UBDS Group is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for the Armed Forces Community. Our internal Armed Forces Network, led by and for ex-service personnel, provides a dedicated space for discussion, peer support, and guidance on transitioning to civilian employment. The network is managed by our Armed Forces Champion, who serves as the primary point of contact for new recruits from the armed forces. Regular meetings between the Champion and the UBDS People Team ensure that ex-service personnel receive continuous support and career development opportunities. Once our Armed Forces Covenant is submitted and accepted, we will actively promote our commitment through our website, social media channels, and job advertisements, reinforcing our dedication as part of our broader Social Value commitment. To raise awareness and honour those who have served, members of our Armed Forces Network share their experiences on our General Teams channel on memorial days, fostering understanding and appreciation across the organisation. Mental, Physical and Financial Health (Wellbeing Support for the Armed Forces Community) As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, UBDS Group prioritises the physical, mental, and financial wellbeing of all colleagues, including ex-service personnel and their families. Through our employee assistance programme (EAP), Help@Hand, we offer tailored support to help individuals transition into and thrive in civilian employment. Physical Health: Colleagues have access to free video GP appointments, physiotherapy, and nutri-tionist consultations through Help@Hand. The platform also provides health assessments and expert recommendations to support overall wellbeing, ensuring those transitioning from military to civilian life receive the care they need. Mental Health: Our 24/7 confidential helpline offers immediate support for mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression. Help@Hand also provides expert-led resources, and UBDS Group has trained six Mental Health First Aid supporters to recognise and assist with more serious mental health conditions, ensuring that no one feels unsupported. Financial Health: We understand the unique financial challenges that can arise when moving from military to civilian employment. Help@Hand offers financial guidance, savings tools, and discount schemes for high-street shops and supermarkets. Additionally, we provide salary sacrifice schemes for major purchases (such as bikes and cars) and season rail ticket loans to ease the financial transition into a new career. UBDS Group is committed to ensuring the Armed Forces Community has access to the resources and support they need to build a successful future in civilian life. As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, UBDS Group actively supports apprenticeships and career development opportunities for ex-service personnel transitioning into civilian roles. We have welcomed an ex-forces individual into our apprenticeship scheme within our Managed Services team, providing them with structured learning and career development immediately after leaving the Armed Forces. Our apprenticeship programme offers comprehensive support, including guidance from a People Coach, Capability Champion, and Shift Lead, alongside dedicated tutors and apprentice support from our education provider. This ensures a smooth transition, equipping ex-service personnel with the skills and experience needed to build a successful career in technology and consultancy. Beyond apprenticeships, other ex-service personnel who have joined UBDS Group receive technical training to support their transition into civilian employment. They also have access to one-to-one people coaching, ensuring they receive tailored career guidance and ongoing professional development. UBDS Group is committed to expanding opportunities for the Armed Forces Community, offering structured training, career progression, and dedicated support to help individuals thrive in a civilian working environment. Civic responsibilities (Supporting Veterans Through Volunteering): At UBDS Group, we encourage employees to give back through our volunteering platform, onHand. This platform enables individuals to donate their time, resources, or financial support to causes they care about most. Employees can take part in veteran-focused initiatives, including training assistance dogs for veterans and supporting events for the Armed Forces Community. Through onHand, we provide meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those who have served. 2.2 We will publicise our commitments through social media and our website, outlining how we support the Armed Forces Community and uphold the Armed Forces Covenant. We actively welcome feedback from veterans, service personnel, their families, and our customers to ensure we continue to improve and deliver meaningful support.

2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.