Ministry of Defence
The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) recognises employers who actively support Defence and encourage other organisations to adopt the same behaviours in their workplace.
To qualify for a Gold Award employers must not only pledge their support but become advocates for support and commitment to Defence personnel.
This years Gold Award winners include:
- Atkins
- The Automobile Association
- Babcock
- Fujitsu
- Gateshead Council
- Deloitte
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- ISS UK
- J.P. Morgan
- M-EC Consulting Development Engineers
- National Express
- PWC
- SERCO
- Tesco
Michael Fallon, the Secretary of State for Defence, said:
The support these companies provide is making a real difference to our Armed Forces community. Whether allowing reservists the time to train or supporting veterans and spouses, they embody what the Armed Forces Covenant is about.
This year the awards focused particularly on commitments to employ reservists, veterans, and forces family members. Commenting on the support received, Army veteran and AA Recovery Patrol of the Year Mo Moran said:
Working at the roadside presents various challenges so you need to act calmly and decisively in whatever situation you face.
The experience and skills I gained in the military help me deal with the unexpected and bring a professional focus to the job. These qualities are ideal for the AA, which offers a range of support for former Service personnel and reservists.
Speaking about the support offered to reservists, 2nd Lieutenant George Rawlins, a member of the Army Reserve who works for Atkins, added:
As well as the ten days leave for annual reservist training and the flexible working structure, I really love the supportive culture throughout the organisation.
My colleagues and line management are genuinely interested in what Im doing and Im encouraged to apply what Ive learnt in my Army Reserve training throughout my work at Atkins.