Construction firm signs covenant

A Shropshire construction company has become the latest organisation to signal its support for serving and former armed forces personnel after completing the build of the UK’s first ever specialist orthopaedic centre for military veterans.

Pave Aways, which handed over the Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre at the world-renowned The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RJAH) in Gobowen, has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

The covenant represents a pledge of support by the Knockin-based building firm for people who are serving in, or who have served in, the armed forces. It also sets out how it will demonstrate its commitment, including promoting its armed-forces-friendly status and seeking to support the employment of veterans, young and old.

The covenant was signed by Pave Aways managing director Steven Owen, observed by some of the firm’s employees who served in the armed forces. Steven said: “Having a long-established working relationship with The RJAH, we had an understanding of the challenges, both mentally and physically, faced by those in the armed forces, but building the Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre gave us a far greater insight to those issues.

“We are proud to support our military personnel, both serving and veterans, and signing the covenant is a public declaration of that. We would encourage other businesses to do the same.”

Representing the Armed Forces at the signing were Lt Col Samantha Brettell, Armed Forces lead at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital Rebecca Warren and Philip Sinclair, regional employer engagement director for the Ministry of Defence.

Philip said: “Raising awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant in business is a key Defence activity which seeks to develop advocates for Defence within civil society. Defence recognises the positive role that employers play in fostering more reservist friendly workplaces and in supporting the armed forces community. 

“I was delighted to be present at this significant Armed Forces Covenant signing by a company that proactively demonstrates its support for that community, and I look forward to fostering the relationship further through Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.”

Stacey Keegan, chief executive of The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, said: “We are grateful to Pave Aways, who have built us an exceptional building from which we can deliver our Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service."

Pictured: Lt Col Samantha Brettell and Steven Owen sign the covenant watched by Armed Forces lead at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital Rebecca Warren and former military personnel John Friend, Ray Green, Jed Stone and Russ Hale