Element signs UK Armed Forces Covenant

Image courtesy Element

With over 1,800 employees across 40 laboratories in the UK, Element plays a vital role in supporting national defence. The company works closely with key industry partners and with Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), part of the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), to help modernise and strengthen the UK’s defence capabilities.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces—and their families—are treated fairly in the communities, economy, and society they serve. According to the latest UK Census, there are over 2 million veterans in the UK, alongside tens of thousands of active reservists’. However, a 2024 House of Commons report highlights that many veterans face challenges transitioning to civilian employment. 

By signing the Covenant, Element aims to help address these challenges by offering:

• Flexibility around military commitments
• Targeted on-the-job training across a wide range of roles
• A supportive workplace culture that recognises and responds to the unique needs of veterans and reservists

The commitment also reflects Element’s broader support for the global defence sector and its recognition of the valuable skills veterans and reservists bring—such as problem-solving, teamwork, and technical expertise.

The signing ceremony took place at the UK Space Command Headquarters, with Matt Hopkinson, Executive Vice President for Element’s EMEAA (Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia) region, signing on behalf of Element, and Major General Paul Tedman CBE, Commander, UK Space Command, signing on behalf of the UK Armed Forces.

Matt Hopkinson commented: “Supporting the Armed Forces community is a vital part of our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive workforce. Signing this very important Covenant also reinforces our dedication to delivering the highest level of expertise to our clients in the defence sector.”

Major General Paul Tedman CBE added: “I was delighted to represent the MOD, signing the Armed Forces Covenant with Element Materials Technology. Support for the Armed Forces, those in uniform and our brilliant veterans, is essential for the effectiveness of the covenant we have with the society we serve.

In addition to signing the Covenant, Element is launching a new UK veterans’ policy and a company-wide programme of initiatives to further support and integrate its veteran and reservist community. The company also plans to commemorate key national and global events such as Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Day, and to actively participate in fundraising and volunteering for Armed Forces charities.