West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WM RFCA) are very pleased to announce that 5 organisations in their region are confirmed as Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award winners for 2022. In addition one further employer has had their ERS Gold Award from 2017 revalidated for their continued commitment. Our regional winners join this year’s total of 156 Gold award winners and 36 Gold Award revalidations.
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.
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.”
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.
West Midland RFCA would like to congratulate all of their region’s winners for this year. The organisations come from a range of sectors and the full list of winners is below.
Black Onyx Concepts Limited
HS Infra Ltd
Onions & Davies Solicitors
Shropshire Council (revalidation)
South Staffordshire College
Traffix Limited
Steve Hutchinson, Director and Founder of HS Infra Limited commented:
“I am incredibly proud of what we’re doing as a company to champion the Employer Recognition Scheme and the Gold Award is testament to the many wonderful people we have at HS Infra, and their efforts and commitment to supporting the military and veteran communities. We are dedicated to continuing to build our support for the Armed Forces which in turn making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of veterans, personnel and forces’ families.
“As a veteran-owned Company and long-term supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant, HS Infra are committed to the fair treatment of service members, veterans and their families. That’s why it’s such an incredible honour to receive the Gold award in the Employer Recognition Scheme. With so many of our staff coming from Ministry of Defence backgrounds and families, this award reflects our core values and commitments and we remain as active as ever in recruiting ex-servicemen and women.”
The ERS was launched to recognise and reward employers who support Defence and inspire others to do the same. To find out more about the ERS and Armed Forces Covenant visit https://www.wmrfca.org/employers
Published 11/07/2022