Top forces-friendly employers recognised with prestigious honour
Twenty-one organisations from across Yorkshire, the Humber and the North of England were presented with the prestigious Gold Award under the Government’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for the outstanding support they give to the Armed Forces Community.
The winning employers were VIP guests for the Royal Gun Salute in Museum Gardens, York celebrating the birthday of His Majesty, The King, followed by a Gold ERS reception at the historical Hospitium.
In attendance were seven of the region’s Lord-Lieutenant’s – representing the lieutenancies from the Yorkshire and Humber and the North of England regions. Awards were presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner, and Major General Richard Allen, Director Army Legal Services. The event was hosted by the RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber and North of England RFCA.
The RFCA’s were immensely grateful to Headquarters North for allocating this Salute as a fitting way to say thank you to the region’s highest supporting employers.
The 2024 Gold Award winners from Yorkshire and the Humber and the North of England:
- Airedale NHS Foundation Trust
- Believe Housing
- Bloom Procurement
- Bradford Bulls Rugby League Football Club
- CIPHER Medical
- Clearly Drinks
- Cleveland Police
- Darlington Business Club
- DLC Training
- East Riding of Yorkshire Council
- Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Genesis Protection Services
- Humberside Police Headquarters
- NEXUS
- Northern Lincolnshire & Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- North East Business & Innovation Centre
- Offploy CIC
- One SC media Ltd
- Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
- South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
- The National Horseracing College
The national picture
One hundred and ninety-three organisations have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community and achieving Gold ERS. Organisations of all sizes, from all sectors and from across the UK, have been successful including Stirling Highland Games, Expedia.Com, Google and B&Q. In total, 33 sectors are represented from Healthcare and Education to Recruitment and Food and Beverage. This not only demonstrates the importance of the Covenant, but the skills and benefits that ex-service personnel can bring businesses.
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns said:
“Our Armed Forces Community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace when they leave service. This scheme aligns with this government’s determination to renew the nation’s contract with our Armed Forces.
“I would like to thank the nearly 200 organisations that have been recognised with a gold award this year. Their continued support ensures that our Armed Forces Community are given opportunities needed to flourish.”
Gold ERS is the highest level an employer can achieve on the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. A ‘Gold’ ERS employer demonstrates exceptional support for the Armed Forces community through its HR policies and practices, whether it’s community outreach, employee recruitment or programmes for veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military families.
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)
View a selection of photos from the event on our Galleries page.