Version: 1.0

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that veterans of the UK Armed Forces are given fair and positive considerationduring recruitment by guaranteeing an interview for any applicant who meets the essential criteria for a vacancy. This supports their transition into civilian employment and reinforces our commitment under the Armed Forces Covenant.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to all external job vacancies advertised by James Consulting Training Ltd, where a veteran applicant has:

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• Completed at least one day of service in the Regular or Reserve Forces, and

• Declared their veteran status during the application process

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3. Definition of a Veteran

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A veteran, as defined by the UK Government, is anyone who has served in the UK Armed Forces, including:

• Army

• Royal Navy

• Royal Marines

• Royal Air Force

• Reserves of any of the above services

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4. Policy Statement

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James Consulting Training Ltd operates a Veterans Guaranteed Interview Scheme (VGIS). Under this scheme:

• All veterans who apply for a role and meet all the essential criteria listed in the job description will be offered an interview.

• Meeting the essential criteria does not guarantee a job offer — it guarantees the opportunity to present their skills and experience at interview.

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5. How to Apply Under VGIS

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Veterans wishing to apply under this scheme must:

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1. Submit an application through the standard process

2. Indicate their eligibility as a veteran during the application (e.g. via a checkbox or covering statement)

3. Ensure their application clearly demonstrates how they meet each essential criteria listed in the job specification

 

6. Managerial Responsibilities

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Hiring managers and recruitment panels must:

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• Recognise and assess military-acquired skills as equivalent to civilian experience where appropriate

• Accept alternative forms of evidence where military records, deployments, or qualifications differ from standard civilian formats

• Ensure that all shortlisting for VGIS applicants is objective, consistent, and documented

HR will verify that VGIS applicants have declared veteran status and meet the minimum criteria before advancing them to interview.

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7. Promotion and Accessibility

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• All relevant job adverts will include a statement such as:

   

  "James Consulting Training Ltd is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant. We operate a Veterans Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who meet the essential criteria."

• Information about the scheme will be available on our careers page and recruitment materials.

 

8. Monitoring and Review

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We will:

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• Track the number of applicants and interviews under the VGIS

• Gather feedback from veteran candidates to improve the process

• Report internally on outcomes and progression as part of our Covenant commitments

 

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any change in guidance from the MOD or Office for Veterans’ Affairs.

 

9. Contact

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For further support or to notify the organisation of your Reservist status, please contact:

Policy Manager: James Willcock (Active Reservist) 
Email: contact@james-consulting.co.uk
Effective Date 22/03/2025

Review Date 22/03/2026