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Chief Executive Officer Steve Wadey met with Defence Minister Philip Dunne on Thursday, 14 July to sign the Covenant, which ensures fairness and equal opportunity for Service and ex-Service personnel, Reservists and their families.

Originally signed by QinetiQ in August 2013, the Covenant has been updated to clarify the company’s commitments to its reservists, including improved line manager training and enhanced leave benefits. QinetiQ grants its employees 15 days a year in which to carry out duties as reservists in the Armed Forces.

Steve Wadey, QinetiQ CEO, said: “It is vital to recognise the role of our reservists, who go the extra mile in serving our country. They make a valuable contribution to our company by helping us to understand a key customer, and to the Armed Forces through their innovation and commercial expertise. I have signed the Covenant because I strongly believe it is important for companies to support and encourage those who wish to go above and beyond in the name of public service.”

Philip Dunne, Minister of State for Defence Procurement, said: “I am delighted that QinetiQ – which already employs reservists and veterans – has signed the Corporate Covenant. I hope it encourages more defence suppliers to come forward and join over 1,000 private and public sector employers to have signed the pledge. Our personnel and their families play an invaluable role in our society and it is only right they get the recognition and support they deserve."

Allison Lambert is Aviation Manager for QinetiQ’s Weapons business, and a Navy reservist specialising in air traffic control. She said: “After serving in the Royal Navy for almost 30 years, I didn’t want to cut my ties when starting a new career. Becoming a reservist has allowed me to maintain my military contacts and give something back to the Navy for its investment in my training. The great advantage for me is the mutual exchange of information that comes from being part of both industry and military. We have a common understanding that makes it easier to get the job done.”

Thomas Harvey is an Aircrew Systems Integration Engineer at QinetiQ and a reservist with the Royal Air Force (RAF). He said: “My service with the RAF allows me to see my work from the customer’s point of view. When I evaluate technology at QinetiQ, I have a first-hand understanding of how it needs to work in the field. When I’m with the RAF, my technical knowledge of a new system can help the user to adopt it. The benefit is a two-way street and it motivates me to do the best job I can.”

In 2014, The Ministry of Defence presented QinetiQ with a silver award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The MOD highlighted QinetiQ’s HR policy that supports reservists, its participation in Armed Forces Day, its support of cadet units and employment for spouses.

Notes for Editors:

• Listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: QQ.L), QinetiQ is a leading science and engineering company operating primarily in the defence, security and aerospace markets. Our customers are predominantly government organisations including defence departments, as well as international customers in other targeted sectors.
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @QinetiQ
• Visit our blog www.QinetiQ.com

For further information, please contact
QinetiQ Press Office on Tel: +44 (0) 1252 39 3500
Email: PressOffice@QinetiQ.com