News

32 East Midlands employers achieve Silver Award 2021 in the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme

The Silver Award 2021 is presented by the Ministry of Defence to companies that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families. This follows on from the announcement that 11 companies in the East Midlands were awarded Gold last week.

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

Derbyshire: Chesterfield Borough Council, Gardner Aerospace, MTMAS Ltd and Rail Operations Group. Whitehouse Construction had their Silver Award re-validated after 5 years of holding it.

Leicestershire: ADM Shine Technologies Ltd, Blaby District Council, CEVA Logistics, First Midlands and Harborough District Council. In addition, 3 organisations had their Silver Awards renewed after 5 years: Loughborough University, Movements UK Corporation Ltd and the Royal Air Force Association.

Lincolnshire: AAR International, F Hunt (Coach Hire) Ltd, JD2E Ltd, KryptoKloud Limited, METIS Aerospace ltd, Patriot Events, Protocol and Team Parish of Louth

Northamptonshire: Phoenix Sports & Media Group and Veteran’s Community Network.

Nottinghamshire: Baseline UK, Campbell Cain Wealth Management, CTAG, Donne Marketing Ventures, Experian, Farrendale Ltd, Karimia, KuKu Connect, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire Local Medical Committee, Octavian Security and We Fix Feet. RPS Planning and Development also had their Silver Award renewed after 5 years.

Rutland: Rutland & District School’s Federation.

Supportive HR Policies for Armed Forces community

To win a Silver award, organisations must provide 5 extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place. This includes veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Organisations must also demonstrate that service personnel and their families are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruiting and selection processes.

Experian’s UK & Ireland Managing Director, Jose Luiz Rossi, commented:

“Experian is delighted and proud to receive the Silver award in the 2021 Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Our commitment to our serving and former members of the Armed Forces remains constant and as an organisation we salute their service. We look forward to being able to continue to grow and develop support initiatives and opportunities in any way we can.”

Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

“I am delighted that we have received this award. As a council, we recognise the contribution and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces. We also benefit greatly as an employer from the unique skills, experiences and attributes that members of Council staff who are also part of the Armed Forces community bring to our workplace.”

 Joe Hunt, Director of F Hunt (Coach Hire) Ltd, Lincolnshire, added:

“At Hunts Coaches, we are delighted with our achievement as an Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award winner. Our Lincolnshire family business pledges to treat all those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families fairly and we are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant. Those brave men and women have done their duty for this great nation, so it is now our duty to make sure they are given the opportunity to bring their invaluable skills and expertise to our businesses.”

Employers demonstrate determination in achieving Silver Award 2021

Bruce Spencer, the Ministry of Defence’s Regional Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands, said: 

“We are thrilled that so many local organisations have achieved the Silver Award this year. Despite the many difficulties this year has presented, they have continued to demonstrate their genuine determination that the Armed Forces community should not be disadvantaged. They should all be very proud of their achievement.”

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.”

Visit the Armed Forces Covenant website for more information on how your organisation can begin the journey to support our Armed Forces and benefit from working with Defence.