News

July 16th 2021

Representing the highest badge of honour, the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is 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 across the UK 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.”

The organisations in the East Midlands who have won the prestigious award are:

• Derbyshire:  HZL Specialist Solutions Limited, Shorterm Group, and University of Derby
• Leicestershire:  Aggregate Industries
• Lincolnshire:  Eagle Eye Innovations Ltd, Forces Cars Direct Ltd, Lincoln College, Mercury Electronic Warfare, and TMS Support Solutions Ltd
• Nottinghamshire:  Ashfield District Council
• Rutland:  Forces Solutions Limited

In addition, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust had their Gold Award re-validated after holding it for 5 years already.

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.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, commented:

“I am delighted that the University of Derby has been awarded the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour in recognition of our commitment to the Armed Forces community. At Derby, we are keen to attract service leavers as employees, and to encourage them to start new careers, education and training with us, recognising the outstanding transferable skills that veterans bring that can be built on in a second career.”

Organisations large and small are awarded Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award

Sion Roberts, CEO of Eagle Eye Innovations said:

“As an SME, Eagle Eye Innovations are thrilled at receiving this prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. It is a great honour and highlights our continuing support to the UK Armed Forces, its veterans, reservists and their families. As our company grows, we look forward to strengthening our commitment to this unique community.”

Dr John Brewin, Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“I am absolutely delighted with this latest recognition of our continued support for employing Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and members of the armed forces families, and our commitment to ensure staff and their families are treated fairly.  Our policies also reflect the flexibilities for staff that are called into full-time service to support them to adjust to deployment before, during and after.”

Bruce Spencer, the Ministry of Defence’s Regional Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands, said:  “We are delighted that so many local companies have been recognised with this Gold Award. It has been a particularly difficult year and despite that, these organisations have gone above and beyond to ensure our Armed Forces community is supported. They should be very proud of this significant achievement.”

Learn more about signing the Armed Forces Covenant and the benefits to your business, and start your journey to win recognition for supporting the Armed Forces. Or speak to your Regional Employer Engagement Director, Bruce Spencer, contactable at em-enquiries@rfca.mod.uk