Record number of first-time Silver recipients in the region
The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Yorkshire and the Humber (RFCA YH) is pleased to announce that thirty-two organisations from Yorkshire and the Humber have been awarded the prestigious ‘Silver’ status as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). Recipients of the award have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to provide forces-friendly services in the workplace for veterans, reservists, families of serving officers, and cadet forces adult volunteers. This year celebrates a record number of first-time Silver Award recipients in the region.
The ERS consists of three award levels – bronze, silver, gold. Each level indicates an organisation’s commitment and involvement to offer support programmes that align with the scheme’s framework. The main objective of the scheme is for employers to endorse their employees who are military personnel (current, former and associated) and enable development opportunities that support their current or past duty to the forces with their civilian employment. The scheme also encourages overall support of the general armed forces community.
Ongoing commitment to be a forces-friendly employer
Prior to submitting a nomination for ERS, it is compulsory for the employer to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), an agreement that pledges an employer’s intent to support the military community. AFC and ERS are nationally-recognised; Silver ERS Award winners will be celebrated regionally at an awards event in York on 14th September 2023.
Partnering with Defence
Major General Marc Overton, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets) says:
“I would like to thank and congratulate the recipients of this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards. A Silver award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their communities under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefits to the Armed Forces Community. The winners should all be proud of their life-changing impact and fresh opportunities they are providing to our Reservists, veterans and their families. The number of winners this year yet again shows that the Armed Forces family talent pool is also providing tangible business benefits.”
Colonel Jason Wright, Chief Executive RFCA YH says:
“On behalf of Yorkshire and the Humber, the RFCA is thrilled about the exceptional response from regional employers who have applied for the Employer Recognition Scheme. Because of their extraordinary effort and work, a record thirty-two employers from a wide range of industry, size and sectors have succeeded in securing a Silver Award this year. This is a true testament of their commitment to our Armed Forces Covenant and the positive impact when working with individuals from our Armed Forces community. We look forward to working with these employers and supporting the further development of services that focus on employees and personnel who serve in the forces.”
2023 Silver Award ERS Winners in Yorkshire and the Humber:
Awaking Giants Ltd
Boston Energy
Bradford Bulls
City Health Care Partnership CIC
CML
Constant Security Services
Doncaster Chamber
Eden Concepts Ltd
Euroventure Travel Ltd
Evolution Technical Services Ltd
Keyzo IT Solutions Ltd
LCM Environmental
Locala Health & Wellbeing
Military Community Veterans Centre (MCVC)
Navigo Health & Social Care CIC
One SC Media Ltd
OSR Medical Ltd
PATT Foundation
PPSS Group
Reed Boardall
Reliance Precision Ltd
Safestyle
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
Surefreight International Limited
The Afghan Rug Shop Limited
University of Hull
Venari Group
Viking Arms Ltd
Warrior Link Ltd
West Yorkshire Police
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Yorkshire Dales Distillery Ltd
Spotlight statements from 2023 ERS Silver employers
“This award is recognition that all the hard work being carried out by volunteers at the MCVC is of significant benefit to the military community and provides encouragement to continue with the work we do.” – Adrian Hunt DL, Chair of Trustees, Military Community Veterans Centre
“At South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue we recognise the invaluable contribution members of the Armed Forces Community make. As a service we want to promote the fact we are a Armed Forces friendly organisation and being awarded the Silver award further celebrates all of the positive action we are taking in support of the Armed Forces community.” – Mike Anthony, Group Manager, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
“It means a lot to us as an organisation to be awarded the Silver Award as it not only demonstrates our public commitment in supporting the Armed Forces but also demonstrates we are making a real world impact and putting into practice, showing how important it is to us to support the AFC and its values.” – Subhash Chatterjee, Managing Director, One SC Media
“To receive the Silver award is an accurate reflection of our strong and passionate commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and the incredible work they do on behalf of our invaluable veterans and their families. It is the natural step in our quest to achieve, and to more importantly – to maintain – the Gold standard in our support for the Armed Forces community. We accept the silver award with huge pride and great appreciation, and thank the Armed Forces Covenant team for the great work they do in the business community. ” – Oliver North, Deputy Chairman, Venari Group
For more information on the ERS Awards visit:
https://www.rfca-yorkshire.org.uk/employers/recognition-scheme/