Companies that partner with The Ulysses Trust are uniquely positioned to demonstrate meaningful, measurable support to the Armed Forces community—directly aligning with the objectives of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
The ERS framework—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—recognises employers who proactively support Defence and the Armed Forces community, including Cadets, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Veterans. Supporting The Ulysses Trust provides a practical and credible route for companies to evidence this commitment.
The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme rightly places primary emphasis on how employers support their own workforce, particularly those with Defence commitments. However, it also recognises the importance of broader engagement and advocacy across the Armed Forces family. Supporting The Ulysses Trust enables companies to demonstrate both.
For employees who serve as Reservists or CFAVs, employer backing is critical. Ulysses Trust expeditions directly support the cadet environments in which many of these individuals volunteer, reinforcing the value of their contribution and strengthening the link between employer, employee, and service. This creates a clear and authentic narrative of support that extends beyond policy into lived experience.
At the same time, organisations can evidence meaningful external impact—supporting cadet development, building resilience and leadership in young people, and investing in future talent. This dual approach aligns strongly with ERS expectations at Silver and Gold level, where sustained, holistic support is key.
Direct Support to Cadets and Youth Development
The Ulysses Trust funds challenging expeditions for Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force Air Cadets. These experiences build self-awareness and values (courage, respect, integrity, selflessness), as well as life skills such as resourcefulness, risk-awareness, sound judgment under pressure, leadership and teamwork. This is turn creates confidence and resilience — all qualities that directly translate into future employability. By sponsoring expeditions or providing financial contributions, companies can clearly demonstrate tangible support to the cadet forces, a key component of ERS criteria.
Alignment with Skills and Employability Agendas
ERS places value on employers who recognise and develop transferable skills. Ulysses Trust expeditions develop exactly the attributes businesses seek in their workforce: initiative, adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. Companies can legitimately highlight their support as an investment in the UK’s future talent pipeline.
Employee Engagement and Volunteering Opportunities
Many ERS-aligned organisations encourage employee volunteering. Supporting The Ulysses Trust enables staff to engage directly—through fundraising and volunteering for the charity. Some employees may be reserves, veterans or CFAVs and able to assist and enable expedition planning and delivery . This strengthens internal culture while providing additional evidence of Armed Forces engagement for ERS submissions.
Support to the Wider Armed Forces Community
Cadet forces are a vital part of the broader Armed Forces ecosystem. By supporting The Ulysses Trust, companies contribute to Defence engagement at a grassroots level, reinforcing their commitment. This holistic approach is particularly valuable for Silver and Gold ERS recognition.
Credible, Measurable Impact for Reporting
ERS applications require evidence, not just intent. The Ulysses Trust provides clear impact metrics—number of cadets supported, expeditions delivered, and outcomes achieved. This allows companies to substantiate their claims with real data and compelling case studies.
Reputation and Corporate Responsibility
Supporting a respected charity with strong links to Defence enhances corporate reputation and demonstrates alignment with national priorities around youth development, resilience, and social mobility. This strengthens both ERS applications and wider ESG/CSR reporting.
In Summary
Partnering with The Ulysses Trust provides organisations with a credible and practical way to complement their internal support to Reservists, veterans, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers—while contributing to the wider Armed Forces community.
Ultimately, engagement with The Ulysses Trust allows employers to demonstrate that they are not only supporting their Armed Forces employees, but are also actively contributing to the wider ecosystem in which they serve—providing clear, measurable, and credible evidence for ERS recognition.
Partnering with The Ulysses Trust is not just philanthropy—it is a strategic, evidence-based way for companies to meet and exceed the expectations of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. It enables organisations to demonstrate authentic support, engage their workforce, and contribute to the development of the next generation, while clearly “ticking the boxes” required for ERS recognition.
