50 employers strike Gold

Britain’s top supporters of the Armed Forces were revealed today, with a record number of businesses, charities and public sector bodies winning awards.

The MoD announced Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards for 50 businesses and organisations who have shown outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.

Employers have won awards for initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the forces into a new career and providing flexibility for Reservists.

Now in its fifth year, the Gold Awards represent the highest badge of honour available to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans, and their families.

The 50 winners have been recognised for their long-term commitment to the Armed Forces, with companies from the public and private sector achieving the top grade. Each has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and where possible, engages with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to promote the recruitment of service leavers, as well as honouring individual pledges of support.

NHS Orkney was one of several Scottish recipients of the award.

Gerry O’Brien, Interim Chief Executive, said: “Everyone working for the board is delighted by this honour. We take our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces very seriously. Current and former servicemen and women bring with them a wealth of expertise which we can use to maintain and improve the health of people across the county.”

NHS Orkney’s Armed Forces Champion, David McArthur said: “NHS Orkney is an enthusiastic supporter of Armed Forces events and was the largest employer in Orkney to host the Army Recruiting and awareness event this year on its premises.

“The Armed Forces Champion has in the past year provided a co-ordinating function within the Third Sector to provide support to Orkney’s 1,200 veterans. In addition, this role has raised the awareness within NHSO of the priority treatment scheme for veterans and for the veterans to self-identify their veterans status to GPs and other healthcare professionals.”

Tobias Ellwood

Tobias Ellwood, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said: “The breadth and diversity of this year’s winners shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to flourish. Their commitment is a testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring that the Armed Forces community is not disadvantaged by service, and each of these employers is setting an example as meaningful advocates for those protecting the nation.”

The 2018 Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award winners are: