Launched in 2014 by the then Prime Minister David Cameron, The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and the full spectrum of Defence personnel including the Reserves, service leavers, cadets, spouses and wounded, injured and sick.
In this year, the ninth year of the awards scheme, CETSAT have joined over 150 organisations that have been recognised by the UK Government for their outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community. They themselves are pleased to have a number of team members who are reservists and a further member of the team an Armed Forces veteran.
The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards represents the highest badge of honour and identifies businesses that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
The majority of the winners came from small and medium-sized enterprises, closely followed by public organisations. Councils, charities, blue light services, retail and insurance companies are among those that have been recognised.
Minister for Defence People Leo Docherty said:
“Regardless of size, location or sector, employing members of the Armed Forces community is good for businesses.
These awards recognise the outstanding support for our Armed Forces from employers across the UK and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.”
The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards continues to grow in strength each year, with a current total of 643 holders. Organisations must reapply after five years in order to retain their Gold Award status.
To win an award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must show that they provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers and 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 others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Among those recognised include Morgan Stanley, IBM, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Admiral Group and Groundwork.
Managing Director at CETSAT Durgan Cooper said:
“CETSAT is honoured to have this week been awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award which means a great deal to the team.
It has been a great journey over the past years which started with our signing the Armed Forces Covenant several years ago and working with the amazing team at Wessex RFCA as we progressed through both the Bronze and Silver awards.
We are extremely grateful to have both reservists and veterans in our team and look forward to the future as we continue to promote our support through the business community of the benefits and value which service personnel provide.”
