News
November 26th 2019
Local employers set a shining example with Silver Awards
Representatives from LIVES collecting their Award
Twenty two public and private sector businesses from across the East Midlands were presented with Silver Awards in the Employer Recognition Scheme awards at a black-tie event in Leicester last week. The awards are part of the Armed Forces Covenant scheme.
The Silver Award is a way of formally recognising the support the businesses provide to Defence personnel through having signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
John Wilson welcoming guests to the event
In Lincolnshire there were eight winners, five each in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, and two each in Northamptonshire and Derbyshire.
The awards were presented at Leicester Tigers Stadium by Colonel Adam Fraser-Hitchen, who commented: “There are two leading principles that epitomise the Armed Forces Covenant from my point of view: to ensure that our service personnel are not disadvantaged as a result of their commitment and service to their country, and to acknowledge that the badly injured and bereaved may need additional support throughout their lives.”
James Marsden, Partner at Wilkin Chapman LLP, said: “Receiving an ERS Silver Award is obviously a huge honour for the firm but, in reality, what we are able to give back to the Armed Forces community is only a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices that are made by the members of our Armed Forces, past and present, and their families.”
Nikki Cooke, Chief Executive, LIVES, commented: “Our volunteers from the Armed Forces community bring a wealth of experience which is invaluable both in responding to emergencies and in managing, supporting and training other volunteers.”
Representatives from Derby County Community Trust collecting their award
Craig Clarke, Veterans in Custody Support at HMP Leicester, explained: “Many of our staff have started their careers working for the military and on leaving the service, bring their dedication, hardworking attitudes and sense of family with them, to the work that we do as a service. HMP Leicester embraces that family ethos.”
Councillor David Walters, Armed Forces Champion at Ashfield District Council, said: “We are humbled to be receiving this prestigious award. It marks our fantastic work, in not only showing how proud we are of those who have served for our country, but also that we are a veteran friendly employer as an authority. We will continue to be proud of the Armed Forces and ensure that service personnel, families and veterans can access the help and support available.”
Derby County Community Trust Marketing and Communications Manager Megan Patrick, commented: “Derby CCT is honoured to have received the ERS Silver Award as we develop our offer for serving military personnel and veterans. We are dedicated to ensuring this is a fruitful and long-lasting commitment.”
The event provided an opportunity to network with other like-minded professionals
John Wilson, the Ministry of Defence’s Regional Employer Engagement Director, explained: “We were delighted to be able to present 22 Silver Award to local businesses this year, a confirmation of the great commitment they give to supporting members of the Armed Forces community throughout the East Midlands.
“Employing military trained personnel is highly beneficial to employers; the skills and experiences developed through military training help employers to fill skill gaps in their businesses. These Silver Awards winners recognise that and actively seek to take advantage of it.”
To achieve a Silver Award, employers need to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, shown flexibility towards the annual training commitments and deployment of Reservists, whilst also supporting the employment of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, service leavers, and military spouses and partners.
The full list of Silver Award winners in the East Midlands is: Ashfield District Council, Belvoir HR Ltd, Bentleigh Chase, Bright Rebel Coaching Ltd, Catena, DEA Aviation Limited, Derby County Community Trust, Freshlinc Group Limited, HMP Leicester, Keith Cook Training Ltd, Level 7 Expertise Ltd, Lincolnshire County Council, LIVES, Minster Group, Northampton Borough Council, One To One Support Service Ltd, Rangoon Point, Stamford Town Council, UK Veterans Hearing Help, Wilkin Chapman LLP, Wilson Browne Solicitors and Workforce Unlimited.
To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme and the Armed Forces Covenant contact John Wilson by emailing em-empsp@rfca.mod.uk or call 0115 924 8627
“Receiving an ERS Silver Award is obviously a huge honour for the firm but, in reality, what we are able to give back to the Armed Forces community is only a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices that are made by the members of our Armed Forces, past and present, and their families.”
