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Silver Awards for supporting the Armed Forces community in the workplace

Among the organisations that have been awarded there are four councils, three charities and the rest are private businesses across a number of sectors. Lincolnshire County Council were one of the Councils that have earned a Silver Award this year.

Councillor Mrs Sue Woolley, Executive Member NHS Liaison & Community Engagement, Lincolnshire County Council, said “We are extremely proud to have been awarded Silver in the UK Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, in recognition of our support to the armed forces.”

In order to achieve a Silver Award employers must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, employ at least one member of the Armed Forces community and support any staff through their Reserve or Cadet Force Adult Volunteer training responsibilities.

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said: “These awards recognise the outstanding support for our Armed Forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.

“Regardless of size, location or sector, employing ex-forces personnel is good for business and this year we have doubled the number of awards in recognition of the fantastic support they give.”

One of the East Midlands based businesses that were awarded this year was One to One Support Services who provide specialised home care services and training for the Health and Social Care sector.

Melanie Ulyatt MBE, Managing Director of One to One Support Services said: “At One to One Support Services we value the skills and qualities Veterans, Reservists and ex- Military personnel bring to the company.

“We are now delighted to be awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver award which celebrates our continued commitment to supporting injured or disabled ex-Military personnel by providing a variety of roles with flexible working conditions removing potential barriers to embrace them as an equal member of our team. We also encourage joint partnerships with local barracks by offering joint training opportunities in a suitable learning environment by offering free employability courses at our City & Guilds Training Academy for ex-military personnel and their families.

“This award is further recognition of our on-going work and continued investment in supporting the Armed Forces Community.”

Northampton Borough Council were also awarded for their support of the Armed Forces Community, Councillor Anna King, Cabinet member for Community Engagement and Safety said: “The Council is proud to provide ongoing support to Armed Forces Personnel living and working in the town.

“Whether in active service today or if they fought decades ago, our service men and women deserve recognition, and support, as and when it’s needed. The measures we have introduced have helped to achieve this and we will continue to work with partners to ensure our commitment continues each year.”

Simon Carnall, Head of Community at Derby County Community Trust, said, “Derby County Community Trust are thrilled to be recognised for the Silver Award, as we strengthen our offer for serving and ex-military personnel through forging new partnerships across Derby and Derbyshire.

“We have taken on new ventures this year to extend our support, including the Valiant Games which we hope to become an annual sporting fixture for veterans and serving military personnel to attend, with the long term aim of ensuring sustainable opportunities for all.”

The Silver ERS Awards are awarded across the United Kingdom and this year more organisations than ever before have earned the Award.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said: “Veterans make a huge contribution to businesses across the country and it’s fantastic to see a record breaking number of organisations recognised for their support.

“We’re working closely with businesses to help them further understand the huge value that veterans, reservists and military spouses can bring to their organisation.”

John Wilson, the MOD’s Employer Engagement Director in the East Midlands, said: “The ERS was launched to reward employers who support Defence People objectives and encourage others to exhibit the same behaviours.

“Each of those awarded employ at least one member of the Armed Forces community whether that be a veteran, reservist, Cadet Force adult volunteer or a Service spouse and each act as an advocate for promoting the benefits that these individuals can bring in to the civilian workplace.”

Each of the organisations will be invited to a formal presentation event in November where they will be given a certificate that they can display in their offices.

The ERS encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

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