SUEZ Recycling and Recovery

SUEZ is a company working to build a sustainable future and tackle environmental challenges. For over 160 years, they have delivered essential services that protect and improve quality of life. SUEZ provides access to water and waste services with resilient and innovative solutions.

SUEZ supports the Armed Forces community through an active Armed Forces Network of over 300 members including veterans, reserves, cadet force volunteers and military spouses. This network has grown 50% in the last 18 months. SUEZ was awarded Gold in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

SUEZ recruits veterans and reservists through military job fairs, the National Transition Event and Forces Friendly job boards. They guarantee interviews for veterans and reservists meeting minimum requirements. Over 250 veterans work for SUEZ in the UK across all entry level roles, as SUEZ provides full training. Depending on military experience, many other roles are available as skills are transferable and SUEZ provides industry training.

Through onboarding, veterans, reservists and military spouses are recorded so the veterans network can welcome them. They receive a welcome letter, form to complete and badge to identify themselves. Regional representatives act as contacts for additional transition support or SUEZ life. The active peer-to-peer network brings together members across the country for connections and career progression. It provides a safe space to talk to those with similar experiences. SUEZ encourages communication through closed social media groups and a network directory.

SUEZ has dedicated policies for reservists, cadet force volunteers and military spouses regarding leave, relocation and mobilisation, offering additional unpaid leave.

The network organised an event to walk, cycle, run and swim 280 miles for Armed Forces Day and Reserves Day 2022. SUEZ provided t-shirts and flags. SUEZ also hosts an annual conference at the National Memorial Arboretum to build camaraderie, review plans and host speakers. SUEZ leadership attends to show support.

For Remembrance Day, SUEZ supports veterans in commemorating through branded vehicles, veterans speaking on social media, sending cards and poppy crosses, and sending veterans to the British Normandy Memorial. In 2023, SUEZ is sponsoring the National Armed Forces Day event in Cornwall with branded vehicles.

SUEZ provides development opportunities like training programmes, apprenticeships and secondments. Many veterans have progressed from entry level to management and director roles. Specific training has been held for the veterans network on emotional skills and mental health awareness.