The UK Government has honoured more than 150 organisations for their exceptional assistance to members of the armed forces.
The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards, which stand for the highest honour, recognise companies that work with and assist military personnel, veterans, and their families.
In total, 156 organisations have received recognition this year—the awards program’s ninth year.
33 percent of the winners are public organisations, while 44 percent are micro- or small- and medium-sized businesses. This illustrates both the expansion of the pool of receptive employers and their breadth.
Among those who have received recognition include councils, charities, blue light services, retailers, and insurance businesses.
Minister for Defence People Leo Docherty said:
“Regardless of size, location or sector, employing members of the Armed Forces community is good for businesses.
“These awards recognise the outstanding support for our Armed Forces from employers across the UK and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.”
The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards, which now have 643 holders, continue to gain popularity each year. After five years, organisations must reapply in order to keep their Gold Award status.
Organizations must demonstrate that they offer 10 additional paid days of leave to reservists, have HR policies that are supportive of veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the armed forces, in order to be eligible for a Ministry of Defence award.
Additionally, they must promote the advantages of helping members of the armed forces community by urging others to join the Employer Recognition Scheme and sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
Morgan Stanley, IBM, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Admiral Group, and Groundwork are among the organisations honoured.
Rhian Langham, the Admiral Group’s head of people, said:
“We’re thrilled to be recognised with the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. Inclusivity is a key part of our culture at Admiral, and we’re proud to create an environment where everyone feels supported.
“Our colleagues with Armed Forces connections have such a positive impact on our business, particularly through their impressive resilience and adaptability, and we’re committed to continue giving them the support they need.”Executive Director at Groundwork Greater Manchester Mike Ormond said:
Executive Director at Groundwork Greater Manchester Mike Ormond said:
“Groundwork Greater Manchester are extremely proud and delighted to receive an Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence. Our work with the Armed Forces Community, especially supporting veterans to gain new skills and employment, has become a cornerstone of the trust’s activity and this award is a reflection of the amazing outcomes and advocacy services our Veteran’s Employment Team deliver.
“We are also fully committed as an organisation to supporting the Armed Forces veterans and reservists who are employed at Groundwork as we recognise the breadth of transferable skills, knowledge and experience they bring to the company as well as the service they have given to our country.”