News

June 28th 2023

Each business has previously pledged to ensure current and former military personnel within their workforce are not unfairly disadvantaged as a result of their service.

Now this group of 38 businesses from Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland have gone one step further to evidence what they have and will continue to do to ensure their workplaces remain Forces friendly.

For this commitment, they were each awarded the Silver Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.

Demonstrating support for Defence

DHU Healthcare, one of six healthcare organisations to receive the award, delivers urgent and emergency care and out-of-hours services across the Midlands.

Zahra Leggatt, the company’s Director of People and Organisations Development, said: “I was so proud to read the testimonials from Veterans and Reservists in our employment about how much it means to them that DHU is committed to being a Defence positive organisation.

“The Silver Award is recognition of our commitment and means a lot to us. It will enable us to recruit more former military personnel and Reservists.”

Companies nominate themselves to win a Silver Award but must demonstrate they have met detailed criteria.

To be successful, employers must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and already achieved the Bronze Award. They must also make staff aware of their positive policies towards Defence people issues and provide at least five days additional leave to Reservists, amongst other measures.

Encouragement

Simon Pell, Director of Wardour Secure Networks, is a service leaver and understands the scheme’s importance.

He said: “As a veteran, I understand the difficulties that can be encountered when looking for employment and if we can help even in a small way to change this it makes everything worthwhile.

“I would encourage all businesses large or small to support the Armed Forces, Veterans, service leavers and their dependants as well as the Armed Forces Covenant.”

Kirstie Lawrence, the Ministry of Defence’s Deputy Regional Employer Engagement Director (East Midlands), added: “Silver has been a journey for all our delighted and deserving winners. A journey of exploration into what all aspects of the Defence community can do for their teams, how to attract targeted talent, and how to capitalise on skillsets.

“For thinking so hard about how to build better workforces and working relationships for better outcomes and for then enacting this via policy, procedure and practice, we rightfully award them Silver as Defence employers.”

Celebrations will continue at an awards ceremony hosted at the National Space Centre on 28^th September.

 

2023 Silver Award winners:

Not-for-profit and Government

• Broxtowe Borough Council
• Chesterfield FC Community Trust
• Every-One
• Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service
• Rescue Services Rutland
• Tonic Health

Construction, technology and engineering

• 2bm
• Amanet
• Caterpillar UK (BCP)
• Datore
• ECS Engineering Services
• Harlow Timber Group
• Power Towers
• Ricoh
• Wardour Secure Networks

Healthcare and medicine

• Chesterfield Royal Hospital
• DHU Healthcare
• NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board
• Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
• Nupsala Veterinary Services
• Primary Integrated Community Services
• Treeline Dental Care

Defence and security

• DMRC Benevolent Fund
• EKA
• International Bomber Command Centre
• Military Compliance Services
• Montane Group
• Security CPD Global

Telecomms and logistics

• Comex 2000 UK
• GXO Logistics
• LightSpeed Broadband
• Svella Connect
• XPO Logistics

Other

• Blue Light Card
• Cosy Direct
• KwikTip
• McClelland & Chase Communications Bureau
• Robinson

Begin your journey by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.