Aspire Defence Services Ltd (ADSL), a facilities management business supporting the Army across Salisbury Plain and at Aldershot, has won a key MOD award in recognition of the employment opportunities it offers to members of the Armed Forces community.
ADSL is one of only 16 organisations from the South West region chosen to receive a 2017 Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award from the Ministry of Defence, acknowledging its continued support to employees in the business with a Forces background.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS) encourages employers to support Defence and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant, which works with businesses, local authorities, charities and community organisations to support the Forces through services, policy and projects.
Mark Carr, Managing Director, ADSL said:
“We have a very strong connection with the Army and ‘Community’ is a key element in our business strategy so I was proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant earlier this year. To go on to receive the Silver MOD Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award is a great honour and a highpoint for the business in 2017.”
Businesses are nominated by a third party for the Award, which is presented to employers who demonstrate flexibility towards annual training commitment and mobilisation of Armed Forces and Reservist employees. In addition, businesses support military spouses and partners as well as raising awareness of career opportunities with the Reserves.
Aspire Defence is contracted by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation to build and manage soldiers’ living and working accommodation across Salisbury Plain and at Aldershot. A broad variety of facilities management services are delivered on the garrisons by ADSL, including catering, office services, building and grounds maintenance, waste management, transport services and stores.
As well as working alongside the Army to ensure soldiers have the best possible environment in which to live, work and train, ADSL is playing a key role in supporting the career aspirations of Armed Forces personnel. Many staff have served in the Armed Forces and have gone on to take up roles across the business including building maintenance and technical services, transport and stores. Many are in managerial posts. ADSL has also supported serving Army personnel on work experience schemes, where their expertise can help to prepare soldiers for technical roles within the Army.
The Award was presented at a prestigious ceremony in October by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Wiltshire.