193 companies across the UK – including 22 in the NW RFCA area – have received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for their outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community.
Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, delivered by Defence Relationship Management has a current total of 641 holders. Organisations must reapply every five years to retain their Gold Award status.
To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists, and have supportive HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Recipients in the NW-RFCA area are:
Bay Tree Cookery Academy CIC
Body & Mind First Aid Training Ltd
Burnley Football Club in the Community
Bury Council
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Chorley Council
Complete Training Solutions
Electricity North West Ltd
Great British Communications Ltd
Half Fish HQ CIC
Lancashire Constabulary
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service
North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
Northern Care Alliance NHS FT
OCU Group
OPS-Training
Peel Ports Group Ltd
Pinnacle Risk Consultancy
Project RECCE CIO
Story Contracting Ltd
University of Cumbria
Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said:
“I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards. I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.”
On receiving the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold 2023 Award; Chief Constable Rowley of Lancashire Constabulary said:
“I am proud that we have been recognised as an advocate of our Armed Forces community. In gaining the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, alongside having signed the Armed Forces Covenant, we are reaffirming our ongoing status as a Forces friendly employer. It is vital that we continue to recognise the transferable skills Armed Forces veterans bring to the Policing family.”
The ERS was launched to recognise and reward employers who support Defence and inspire others to do the same.
