140 organisations have received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for their outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community, Defence Minister Leo Docherty announced today.
Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
This year’s awardees brings the total number of Gold holders to 493.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said: “I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the Defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.
“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”
To win an award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
This year, organisations include NHS trusts, educational institutions, financial services, hotels, charities, law firms, police services, football clubs and museums. Nearly 50 per cent are a small or medium-sized enterprise and 72 per cent are private companies, demonstrating the wide range of organisations offering support to the military community regardless of size, sector or location.
Daniel Frumkin, Chief Executive Officer at Metro Bank said: “I am absolutely delighted that Metro Bank has been recognised with this prestigious award. We are dedicated in our commitment to support both those that currently serve and those that have served our country including veterans, reservists and forces’ families, as well as the communities in which they reside. Metro Bank will continue to honour and support this special community.”
Rob Robson, Director of Levertech said: “Everyone at Levertech is delighted to be awarded Gold in the UK Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We are proud of our record of working together as a business to support the Armed Forces community, be that through policies aimed at our Reservist and veteran employees, donations to military charities, or sharing our commitment to the scheme with our team, our clients and our supply chain.
“We recognise the knowledge, transferable skills and comradery that Veterans and Reservists bring to our company and their contribution to wider society. We are determined to continue to improve the support we provide and increase our wider advocacy for the Armed Forces Community.”
In our West Midland RFCA region we are delighted to announce and congratulate 15 new organisations for gaining the scheme’s highest award, with the Gold ERS Award 2021 status being awarded to:
- Academy Transformation Trust
- Ammo & Company
- Aston University Engineering Academy
- Forces Resettlement Services CIC (BFRS)
- GRC LTD
- Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
- HORIBA MIRA Ltd
- Kinetic Six Ltd
- Landau Ltd
- Matrix Academy Trust
- Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
- Ubi-Tech (3R) Ltd
- University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust
- Wace Morgan Limited
- West Midlands Combined Authority
We are also extremely proud to congratulate Bureau Veritas on having their Gold Award revalidated. Originally receiving their Gold Award status in 2016, the Gold Awards are reviewed every five years by a judging panel which includes senior military representatives. The revalidations are especially awarded to those organisations who have demonstrated a consistent high-level of support to the forces community, recognising their commitment and achievements.
Thank you all your continued support and for going above and beyond to support the forces community.
Find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme and how your business can benefit from supporting members of the Armed Forces community.
Published 16/07/2021