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A record-breaking 18 Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards in the East Midlands

Representing the highest badge of honour, the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is awarded to those that employ and support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

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

• Derbyshire:  Acres Engineering Limited, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, North East Derbyshire District Council, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, We Fix Feet Limited
• Leicestershire: ADM Shine Technologies Limited, Melton Borough Council, Pall-Ex Group Limited
• Lincolnshire:  JD2E Ltd, KryptoKloud Limited, South Kesteven District Council
• Nottinghamshire:  Anderson Green Ltd, Bassetlaw District Council, Gedling Borough Council, Newark and Sherwood District Council, Kuku Connect
• Northamptonshire: Goodwill Solutions CIC, Wright Logistics Services Limited

In addition, Nottinghamshire University Hospitals NHS Trust had their Gold Award re-validated for the third time, demonstrating their hard work and resilience in continuing their support over the last few years.

Gavin Tomlinson, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue commented;

“Putting people first is one of our Service priorities, so I am proud to see DFRS being recognised for doing just that with the award of the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. The Service will continue to support the wider Armed Forces family, advocating support for those who have and are still serving in the Armed Forces.”

Graham Tomkins, Founder and CEO, Goodwill Solutions CIC, Northampton, said:

“On behalf of Goodwill Solutions, we are honoured and delighted to be recognised as a key supporter of our magnificent Armed Forces. We look forward to developing our support in years to come.”

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.

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

Bassetlaw District Council are one of three Nottinghamshire councils that have been awarded gold this year.

“We are absolutely thrilled that so many local companies have been recognised with this Gold Award. It has been a difficult couple of years for businesses, 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.”

The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched in 2014 by the then Prime Minister David Cameron to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and the full spectrum of Defence personnel. This includes the Reserves, service leavers, Cadets, spouses and wounded, injured and sick.

A total of 156 organisations have been recognised this year, the ninth year of the awards scheme. The full list of Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners is available here.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. More information about the Armed Forces Covenant and how to get involved is available here.