Employers rewarded for advocacy to the armed forces community

Four organisations have been recognised for their support of the armed forces community with a top level Ministry of Defence award.

As part of the Ministry of Defence’s employer engagement work in Warwickshire, four organisations from the Coventry and Warwickshire area – Cadent Gas Limited, CODA Security, Orbit Group Limited and Severn Trent Water Limited –received the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award in recognition of their exceptional level of support to the armed forces community.

Employers must show a high level of advocacy to be eligible for the Gold Award through their efforts under the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge to the nation to remove barriers for the armed forces community.

Once employers have signed the covenant, they are then able to benefit from a range of options including partnering with military units, recruiting from the armed forces community, working with the tri-service Cadet units and networking with like-minded organisations and key supporters of defence.

Those that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant are then eligible to progress up the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, starting with Bronze (intent to support), Silver (active support) and at the highest level, the ERS Gold Award accolade, available to employers who advocate for the wider armed forces community within their workforce, and communities.

To win a Gold Award, organisations must provide ten extra days’ paid leave for reservists, and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, and Cadet force adult volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the armed forces.

Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting the armed forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant and how your business can support the forces community, visit www.wmrfca.org or contact Catherine Suckling, Regional Employer Engagement Director for the Coventry and Warwickshire region on wm-reed3@rfca.mod.uk