Squarcle, a dynamic consultancy specialising in defence digitisation and data science, has made significant strides in supporting veterans and promoting a diverse, inclusive workplace culture. Founded by Gavin Emerson, a military veteran with 22 years of experience, and Simon Perks, a midshipman in the Royal Navy reserves and an Officer with the East of England regiment, Squarcle has flourished into a vibrant organisation - blending military expertise with civilian innovation.
Established just over four years ago, Squarcle has swiftly carved a niche for itself in the defence sector, also branching out into renewable energy and technology projects.
Commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant
Squarcle's commitment to supporting veterans and their families is not just a token gesture but a fundamental aspect of their corporate ethos. With nearly half of their employees being veterans, Squarcle recognises the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. By signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant, Squarcle has formalised its commitment to supporting veterans. The business also goes above and beyond the outlined obligations. For example, they offer interviews to every military applicant, focusing on transferable skills rather than exact experience, enabling more equitable recruitment processes, by empowering more veterans to apply, have their military experience recognised.
Building a Supportive Culture
Squarcle's inclusive culture is evident in its flat structure, where directors frequently engage with junior staff, fostering an open and collaborative environment. Flexibility is key at Squarcle, with employees having the freedom to work as they see fit, provided it meets project needs. Weekly town halls facilitate open dialogue, focusing on health, wellbeing, and knowledge sharing. Additionally, internal training sessions led by team members ensure continuous learning and development.
Voices from the Team
Al Noble
For many military personnel transitioning to civilian life, the journey can be daunting. However, at Squarcle, the presence of like-minded individuals and a robust support network eased my transition. The flat structure ensures accessibility to leadership, fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and supported. This inclusive environment motivates employees to be their authentic selves and encourages mutual support.
I get the opportunity to not only work with like-minded colleagues, but also those from completely different backgrounds to me.
Claire Gloyne
Claire's journey from a 24-year military career to civilian life wasn't without its challenges.
Yet, despite the common initial set-backs a new business has when trying to grow and support employees, Squarcle's commitment to their team and staff development has been instrumental in her progress. Feedback mechanisms are actively encouraged, leading to tangible improvements within the organisation.
The relaxed approach to work, and the understanding of the importance of a work life balance allows Claire, a single parent, to balance her professional and personal responsibilities effectively.
Impact and Recognition
Squarcle's dedication to supporting veterans and building a people-centric culture has yielded tangible results. High retention rates underscore the effectiveness of their initiatives, with the business continuously growing and evolving. As a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and a Supporter of the Good Employment Charter, Squarcle's commitment to being a socially responsible employer is publicly acknowledged. These affiliations not only enhance their reputation but also provide a framework for continual improvement and networking opportunities and stand them apart from competitors during the tender process.
Find out more about becoming a Supporter of the Good Employment Charter here.
