We’re delighted to announce that an amazing 24 organisations in Wales have achieved the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2021.
This follows hot on the heels of our recent announcement of 10 Gold ERS awards across Wales.
The prestigious Defence Silver ERS Award recognises employers who have actively demonstrated their support for the Armed Forces community through implementing practical policies in the workplace.
The organisations that have achieved the award for 2021 are:
Admiral Group Plc
A R C Academy UK Limited
B.C.B International Limited
Brightlink Learning Ltd
Camilleri Construction Limited
Denbighshire County Council
EA Inclusion
Enbarr Foundation CIC
Gatewen Training Services Limited
Hafal
K Sharp Ltd
North Wales Fire & Rescue Service
NPTC Group of Colleges
Ollywood Ltd
Pathway Risk Management Limited
Penparcau Community Forum Ltd
Portsec Security Ltd
Print Inc & Design Limited
Quadrant 4 Ltd
Rubicon Facilities Management Ltd
The VC Gallery
Transport for Wales
Veterans Awards CIC
Woody's Lodge
Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty, in making the announcement, said:
“I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the Defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.
“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”
Andrew Viazzani, Head of Recruitment at Admiral Group said,
“We’re thrilled to be the recipients of a Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award from the Ministry of Defence this year.
We recognise the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business and we are proud to be an employer who supports colleagues with Armed Forces associations, enabling them to pursue a Reservist role, transition out of the Armed Forces, or work flexibly whilst their military spouse or partner is away.”
Karl Gilmore, Rail Infrastructure Director & Armed Forces Champion at Transport for Wales said:
“At Transport for Wales we continue to support our Armed Forces Community and are proud to have achieved Silver status of the Employer Recognition Scheme. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, we acknowledge, understand and support those who have served in the Armed Forces or continue to do so in a Reservist capacity, their families or those who are Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, should be treated with fairness and respect in the community, society and the workplace.
“TfW values a diverse workforce; it makes us stronger, helps us understand our customers better, make better decisions and be more innovative. Everyone’s different and has their own perspective so we’re building a diverse team that mirrors the communities we serve. Through this, we’re determined to be one of Wales' leading inclusive employers and look forward to continuing to support our Armed Forces Community and other underrepresented groups in society.”
Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, employers support Defence personnel and encourage others to do the same. The scheme has three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold for organisations that pledge, demonstrate and advocate support for Defence and the Armed Forces community.
To achieve Silver, organisations must proactively demonstrate that the Armed Forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruitment policies. They must also actively ensure their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards Defence people issues for Reservists, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
Mr Tony Fish, the MOD’s Regional Employer Engagement Director for North Wales said,
“I am delighted that we can announce 24 Silver ERS 2021 award winners for Wales. These employers provide inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.”
2021 marks the eighth year of the award scheme.
To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme and how your business can benefit from supporting the Armed Forces Community visit here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme/defence-employer-recognition-scheme
