On Wednesday 17th November 2021, employers and organisations from across London, East and South East of England attended a ceremony at the Honourable Artillery Company in London to receive their Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards; the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour in recognition of supporting the Armed Forces Community. The awards were presented by the Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin MP.
Some 140 organisations across the UK received the award this year and instead of one national event, four regional ceremonies were organised to celebrate those that employ and support individuals who serve, veterans and their families.
The Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty 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.”
To win an award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days 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 those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
The East of England celebrated 11 ERS Gold Award winners this year; Broadland District Council, Chapman Ventilation Ltd, CNet Training, Essex Partnership University NHS Trust, Levertech Aviation Services Limited, Norfolk County Council, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, RCR Services UK Ltd, RT Infrastructure Solutions Ltd, South Norfolk Council and Your Telemarketing Ltd.
Andrew Stevens, CEO at CNet Training “We are tremendously proud to be awarded the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award. CNet has supported the Armed Forces Community since our inception in 1996. We strongly believe the experience gained in the Armed Forces provides key transferable knowledge, skills and disciplines to work across the network infrastructure and data centre sectors. We really enjoy contributing to the new careers of Forces Leavers and the Ex-forces Community and look forward to providing more support and hearing the amazing career success stories in the future.”
