Today’s announcement by the Ministry of Defence of Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold and Silver awards saw a record number of organisations in the HRFCA area being rewarded for their support to the Armed Forces family. The ERS Gold award, the MOD’s highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served, has been won by Stirling-based Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Golden Jubilee Foundation in Clydebank.
The Gold awards recognise employers who actively support the Armed Forces community in their workplace and also encourage others to follow their lead. The award scheme, which attracts entries from companies in every part of the country and in the private and public sectors, has seen a rapid increase in participation since it launched in 2014. Nevertheless, competition for Gold awards remains fierce, with only thirty-three awarded across the UK in 2017.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
“These companies have shown the gold standard of commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. They have taken meaningful steps to ensure the Defence community are not disadvantaged by the sacrifice they make in helping keep this country safe. The actions of these employers make it crystal clear that regardless of size, location, or sector, employing people with military skills is good for business.”
The awards will be presented at a ceremony in the Imperial War Museum in London on 9 October 2017.
In addition to the Gold winners, no fewer than eleven public and private sector employers in HRFCA’s area have received the prestigious ERS Silver award, demonstrating their commitment and support. Together with the Silver award winners in the Lowland RFCA area, their achievements will be recognised at a ceremony in Edinburgh Castle on 2 November 2017.
