Liverpool Council and North West Ambulance Service were among 33 employers to be presented with an Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award by HRH Prince Henry of Wales. The award is the Ministry of Defence’s prestigious badge of honour for organisations who have demonstrated outstanding support for the Armed Forces community. Hosted by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, the award presentation took place on Monday 9 October at the Imperial War Museum.
HRH Prince Harry thanked this year’s winners and heard about successful initiatives providing veterans with a fair chance of starting a second career in diverse industries following military service. Other support measures in the workplace include flexibility for Reservists and mentoring and job opportunities for military spouses.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: “This year’s Gold award winners should be extremely proud of the work they are doing to live up to the Armed Forces Covenant pledge and to promote the pledge to others.
“I’m delighted to recognise employers who make it crystal clear that regardless of size, location, or sector, employing people with military skills is good for business. I hope others follow their example, thereby delivering a better deal for veterans and armed forces families.”
Councillor Ian Francis, Armed Forces Champion for Liverpool Council, said: “Our Armed Forces make tremendous sacrifices to keep us all safe and it is absolutely vital that we do all we can to help them re-enter civilian life and make the best decisions. Liverpool has a long and proud tradition of supporting the services and being Armed Forces friendly has enabled us to drive forward a number of different projects. We were proud to be the national host city Armed Forces Day this year and our Veterans Centre is helping those associated with the services with a wide variety of issues related to housing, employment and health.”
Derek Cartwright, Chief Executive of North West Ambulance Service, said: “North West Ambulance Service is extremely proud to support all employees who are part of the Armed Forces Community as we recognise the wealth of transferrable skills they bring from their military training. They have a great team ethos, leadership, professionalism and exceptional communication and resilience skills.
“Our staff are often faced with distressing and challenging situations which is when these skills prove most invaluable; not only in providing outstanding care for our patients but also when supporting fellow colleagues.
“We are honoured to have received this recognition as we continue to support our current and future Armed Forces Reservists.”
The employers recognised with the ERS Gold distinction in 2017 for going above and beyond their pledges under the Armed Forces Covenant:
Airbus, Balfour Beatty, City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Combat Pest Control, DHL, DXC Technology, ER Systems Global, FDM, Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, General Dynamics UK, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hull City Council, Inverclyde Council, Kuehne + Nagel, Laing O’Rourke, Liverpool City Council, Mabway Ltd, ManpowerGroup UK, Metropolitan Police Service, Morson Group, Network Rail, NHS Golden Jubilee Foundation, North West Ambulance Service, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Shropshire Council, Skanska UK Plc, Sodexo UK & Ireland, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Transport for London, West Midlands Fire Service, Wiltshire Council, Wolferstans Solicitors, X-Forces.
The Employer Recognition Scheme encompasses three award tiers: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Gold Award winning employers have to first make pledges under the Armed Forces Covenant, then demonstrate and advocate their support for the Armed Forces. So far, 79 employers have been recognised with a Gold award.
