In the East Midlands, 23 public and private sector organisations have achieved a Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for their support of the Armed Forces Community…
Among the organisations that have been awarded there are four councils, three charities and the rest are private businesses across a number of sectors. In order to achieve a Silver Award employers must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, employ at least one member of the Armed Forces community and support any staff through their Reserve or Cadet Force Adult Volunteer training responsibilities.
Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said: “These awards recognise the outstanding support for our Armed Forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one. Regardless of size, location or sector, employing ex-forces personnel is good for business and this year we have doubled the number of awards in recognition of the fantastic support they give.”
The Silver ERS Awards are awarded across the United Kingdom and this year more organisations than ever before have earned the Award.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said: “Veterans make a huge contribution to businesses across the country and it’s fantastic to see a record breaking number of organisations recognised for their support. We’re working closely with businesses to help them further understand the huge value that veterans, reservists and military spouses can bring to their organisation.”
John Wilson, the MOD’s Employer Engagement Director in the East Midlands, said: “Each of those awarded employ at least one member of the Armed Forces community whether that be a veteran, reservist, Cadet Force adult volunteer or a Service spouse and each act as an advocate for promoting the benefits that these individuals can bring in to the civilian workplace.”
Each of the organisations will be invited to a formal presentation event in November where they will be given a certificate that they can display in their offices.