Britain’s top supporters of the armed forces have been revealed today, with a record number of businesses, charities and public sector bodies winning awards.
The MOD has today announced ‘Gold Awards’ for 50 businesses and organisations who have shown outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.
Employers have won awards for initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the armed forces into a new career and providing flexibility for Reservists.
Merseyside employer The Sovini Group received the Gold Award for their support to Reservists, Service leavers, wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, the Cadet organisations and service families. Based in Sefton, Merseyside, The Sovini Group comprises both not-for-profit organisations including One Vision Housing and Pine Court Housing Association and commercial organisations including Sovini Property Services, Sovini Trade Supplies and Carroll Group. Operating across Merseyside and the wider region, their partners provide everything from social housing and related services to luxury new build accommodation. Their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility extends to a commitment to supporting veterans in their communities.
Now in its fifth year, the MOD’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards represent the highest badge of honour available to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans, and their families.
The 50 winners have been recognised for their long-term commitment to the Armed Forces, with companies from the public and private sector achieving the top grade. Each has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and where possible, engages with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to promote the recruitment of service leavers, as well as honouring individual pledges of support.
The Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said:
“The breadth and diversity of this year’s winners shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to flourish. Their commitment is a testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation.
“We all have a role to play in ensuring that the Armed Forces community is not disadvantaged by service, and each of these employers is a setting an example as meaningful advocates for those protecting the nation.”
Commenting on their Gold status, Roy Williams, Group Chief Executive, The Sovini Group said:
“It’s an honour to be the first housing Group in the North of England to achieve the Gold Award. By adopting the Armed Forces Covenant we can help to make sure the people who make huge sacrifices on our behalf receive the recognition and support they deserve in the workplace and the wider community.”
The 2018 Employer Recognition Scheme Gold award winners are:
- Alexander Mann Solutions
- Amey
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
- BNY Mellon
- C S Hodges
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
- City of London Corporation
- City of Wolverhampton Council
- Compass
- Defence Medical Welfare Service
- Dumfries and Galloway Council
- Durham County Council
- East of England Ambulance Service
- Ernst & Young (EY)
- Forward Assist Veterans Charity
- Future Sales Factory
- Handy Heroes
- ITI Network Services Ltd
- James McVicar Printing Works
- Kent County Council
- Landmarc Support Services Ltd
- Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
- Leonardo
- Lloyd’s of London
- London Borough of Wandsworth (Wandsworth Council)
- London Southbank University
- MBDA UK
- Newcastle City Council
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- NHS Hastings and Rother CCG and NHS Eastboarne, Hailsham and Seaford CCG
- NHS Orkney
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Northumberland County Council
- Portsmouth City Council
- Raytheon Systems Limited
- The Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust
- Sage
- SaluteMyJob
- SGN
- SkillForce
- South Tyneside Council
- Sovini
- Standard Life Aberdeen Plc
- Stoll
- Swansea Council
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
- University of Lincoln
- University of South Wales
- WYG
