Britain’s top Armed Forces – friendly employers honoured
Secretary of State for Defence, Gavin Williamson has praised Britain’s forces-friendly businesses at an awards ceremony in central London.
51 businesses were honoured for their commitment to the military, including employing former service personnel, their families and reservists on Monday 12 November.
The MOD’s Employer Recognition Scheme ‘Gold Awards’ awards were handed out by the Secretary of State for Defence and HRH The Earl of Wessex… to businesses and organisations who have shown outstanding support for the military community and the Armed Forces Covenant.
Employers won awards for initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the armed forces into a new career, and providing flexibility for reservists.
The 51 winners have been recognised for their long-term commitment to the Armed Forces, with organisations from the public and private sector achieving the top grade. Each has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and where possible, engages with the MOD’s Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to promote the recruitment of service leavers, as well as honouring individual pledges of support.
Secretary of State for Defence, Gavin Williamson said:
“Those who have served our country so courageously deserve the full support of organisations across the public and private sector.
“The breadth and diversity of this year’s Gold Award winners shows how business support for the armed forces continues to flourish. I offer my gratitude and congratulations to all the winners.”
Minister for Defence People
and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said:
“When people leave the armed forces, they do so with unique skills and experiences that can benefit businesses and organisations across the country.
“These awards show just how valued and in demand these skills are. I encourage more businesses to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant and show their support for our brave service leavers.”
The Government has launched its first UK wide Veterans Strategy which brings together aspirations and commitments from across government for championing the needs of the ex-service community.
The Government has a wide range of schemes in place to support service personnel and veterans. From encouraging employers to recognising the value the military community, to business through the Armed Forces Covenant, to committing £22billion of funding for mental health over the next decade for service personnel and £10 billion for veterans.
Employer Recognition Scheme and the Armed Forces Covenant
The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched in 2014 by the then Prime Minister David Cameron to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support for Defence and the Armed Forces community. This includes Reserves, Service leavers, Armed Forces veterans, the wounded, injured and sick, Cadets, military spouses or partners and their families.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The Covenant is enshrined in law, and the Government is committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for the Armed Forces community by working with a range of delivery partners who are signatories of the Covenant. Signatories include local authorities, charities, community organisations and businesses.
The 2018 Employer Recognition Scheme Gold award winners are:
1. Alexander Mann Solutions
2. Amey UK plc
3. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
4. BNY Mellon
5. Citibank
6. C S Hodges
7. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
8. City of London Corporation
9. City of Wolverhampton Council
10. Compass Group UK and Ireland
11. Defence Medical Welfare Service
12. Dumfries and Galloway Council
13. Durham County Council
14. East of England Ambulance Service
15. Ernst & Young (EY)
16. Forward Assist Veterans Charity
17. Future Sales Factory Limited
18. Handy Heroes Limited
19. ITI Network Services Ltd
20. James McVicar Printing Works
21. Kent County Council
22. Landmarc Support Services Ltd
23. Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
24. Leonardo
25. Lloyd’s of London
26. London South Bank University
27. MBDA UK
28. Newcastle City Council
29. The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
30. NHS Hastings and Rother CCG and NHS Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford CCG
31. NHS Orkney
32. Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
33. Northumberland County Council
34. Portsmouth City Council
35. Raytheon UK
36. The Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
37. Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust
38. Sage
39. SaluteMyJob
40. SGN
41. SkillForce
42. South Tyneside Council
43. The Sovini Group
44. Standard Life Aberdeen Plc
45. Stoll
46. Swansea Council
47. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
48. University of Lincoln
49. University of South Wales
50. Wandsworth Council
51. WYG