Ten of the North’s top forces-friendly employers recognised with a prestigious honour
Ten organisations from across Yorkshire, Humber and the North of England were presented yesterday with the prestigious Gold Awards under the Government’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for the outstanding support they give to the Armed Forces Community.
Representatives from the receiving organisations were awarded at an event in York where they were also honoured guests at the 21 Gun Royal Salute in Museum Gardens to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty The King. In attendance were five of the region’s Lord-Lieutenants, two Vice Lord-Lieutenants, civic dignitaries and senior military figures. Awards were presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner, and Vice Admiral Phil Hally CB MBE , Chief of Defence People. The event was hosted by the RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber and North of England RFCA.
The 2023 Gold Award winners from Yorkshire and the Humber and the North of England:
- Abacus Wealth Management
- Esh Group
- Intelect
- Leeds City Council
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Mavas Foods Limited
- Next Level Security Services Ltd
- Parkdean Resorts
- Phillips 66
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The National Picture
Nearly 200 organisations have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community, a record high since the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme launched in 2013.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest badge of honour, recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting the Armed Forces community.
This year, organisations across a range of sectors including transportation, education, finance, and healthcare have been recognised in the awards. Of the Gold Award winners, 28% are either micro or small sized organisations, while 47% are large organisations with over 500 employees. This not only demonstrates the importance of the Covenant, but the skills and benefits that ex-service personnel can bring businesses.
Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said:
“I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards. I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.”
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, delivered by Defence Relationship Management has a current total of 641 holders. Organisations must reapply every five years to retain their Gold Award status.
About Gold ERS
To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists, and have supportive HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Gold Awards are the highest accolade employers can achieve and applications are restricted to organisations that are already Silver Award holders. Gold Award-level employers proactively advocate and support Defence, communicating their commitment both internally to employees and externally to the wider community, through established policies and examples of support. Gold Award holders demonstrate significant support for reserves, enabling them to fulfil their annual training and mobilisation commitments.
More information can be found at: Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)