25 NORTH WEST ORGANISATIONS ‘WIN GOLD’ FOR SUPPORTING THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY

193 UK organisations have been recognised by the UK Government with the highest badge of honour for supporting the Armed Forces community. 

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting defence and inspiring others to do the same.

This year organisations of all sizes, from all sectors and from across the UK have been successful including Stirling Highland Games, Expedia.com, Google and B&Q.

In total, 33 sectors are represented from Healthcare and Education to Recruitment and Food and Beverage. To win a gold, an organisation must demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

The winners have all been powerful advocates for the Armed Forces Covenant by actively engaging with their peers, encouraging them to employ armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families, and providing robust and sustained support for reservists.

Gold status is also awarded to those who implement HR policies that accommodate the needs of the Armed Forces Community, while continuously promoting this advocacy within their own networks and industry.

The scheme aligns with the new government’s manifesto promise to strengthen support for armed forces communities, including putting the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law and a commitment to create a new Armed Forces Commissioner to improve service life and be a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families.

Recipients in the NW-RFCA area are:

AF&V Launchpad Limited
Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Ashfields Primary Care Centre
Big Heritage C.I.C
Blackpool Council
Broughton House
Buzz Drones Ltd
Cammell Laird Shipyard
Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Cheshire East Council
Expleo UK Limited
Go North West Limited
Keep Safe Solutions
KNDS UK
Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service
Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Liverpool John Moores University
Manx Radio
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Network Plus
Nuclear Waste Services
Sellafield Ltd (HO)
South Ribble Borough Council
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns said:

“Our Armed Forces Community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace. This scheme aligns with this government’s determination to renew the nation’s contract with our Armed Forces.

“I would like to thank the nearly 200 organisations that have been recognised with a gold award this year. Their continued support ensures that our Armed Forces Community are given opportunities needed to flourish.”

Managing Director of Manx Radio, Christopher Sully, said:

“We are very proud to have been awarded ERS Gold status and will use that to build closer and stronger relationships between the various organisations and individuals here both serving, veteran and cadets on the Isle of Man. We’ll continue to use our on-air and digital platforms to help raise the voices of the community.

“To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, employers 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.”

The ERS was launched to recognise and reward employers who support Defence and inspire others to do the same.