News

July 16th 2024

The Forces-friendly employers have been recognised for outstanding support to Reserves, Cadet Instructors, Military Spouses and Forces Families.

Big names such as Vision West Notts College, education provider to 10,000 students; multi-professional consultancy practice Pick Everard; and one of Northamptonshire’s largest employers, Kettering General Hospital, made the list. 

They were joined by training specialists Simulaids and On Hand Training and Security as well as Future Awards and Qualifications and cyber security firm PointWire – all of whom have evidenced strong support for Defence.

Between them, the organisations employ in excess of 6,000 staff across the East Midlands. 

Winners will be celebrated at a special ceremony hosted by Gold Award holders Toyota later this year.

Strong show of support

To achieve the Silver Award, organisation must have first signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved the Bronze Award. 

Building on that groundwork, they must then evidence how they are supporting Defence. Developing suitable HR policies to ensure service personnel are not disadvantaged as part of their recruitment and selection is key to this. 

In addition, the employer must raise awareness of the policies with their staff, support Reservists’ training by providing at least 5 days’ additional leave, and demonstrate support to the Cadet movement. 

Nominations are submitted by organisations themselves, validated by the Ministry of Defence, and then judged by a selection board – chaired by a senior military officer – against the criteria. 

Overall, 542 companies have achieved either the Bronze, Silver or Gold Award in the East Midlands since it was launched 10 years ago, with strong support from the construction, education, healthcare and transportation sectors. 

Reaction 

Fred Hopkins is the Head of Engagement at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, which promotes and administers the scheme in the region. 

He said: “Congratulations to this year’s cohort of Silver Award winners from the East Midlands.

“I know how hard each organisation has worked to achieve this and the real impact their supportive policies will have on Reserves and Cadet Instructors in particular. 

“These people are very much ‘twice the citizen’ and need our support as they juggle commitments to add great value to both military and civilian circles.”

Barry Johnson, Managing Director of Point Wire, explained his organisation has a guaranteed interview scheme for service leavers and has on-boarded two since achieving the Bronze Award in 2022.

He said: “Of all the awards, accreditations, and accolades that PointWire have achieved, this one really is tremendous. 

“My own continued commitment to the Armed Forces as a Reservist has helped me understand the importance of organisations aligning themselves to the mission the Armed Forces Covenant seeks to achieve by ensuring that those who have given so much to this great country, are supported further in their return to work in a civilian role.

“PointWire is fully committed to our ongoing alignment with the Armed Forces Covenant and its mission, and will now be focusing on how we can demonstrate this by planning for how we can next achieve our Gold Award status.”

With fairness and respect

Elizabeth Hardwick-Smith, Group People and Culture Director at Pick Everard, added: “This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring that those who serve or have served, along with their families, are treated with fairness and respect and enabled to thrive in our industry.  

“We uphold our pledge and values in continuing to support the Armed Forces community as they explore new opportunities and transfer their fantastic skills into our multi-disciplinary construction consultancy.  

“The achievement of this award has been a real collaborative effort across our people and culture team and our existing Armed Forces colleagues, of which we are collectively honoured to be recognised for.”

Discover more in our beginner’s guide to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Picture: Winners of the 2023 Silver Award were recognised at a ceremony held at the National Space Centre.