Marvin OnumonuMore than 200 employers have received the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for their support for the armed forces community.
The scheme recognises employers that back veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military families in the workplace.
To get the Gold Award, employers had to offer at least 10 days’ extra paid leave for reservists, have HR policies for veterans and cadet force adult volunteers, promote defence in their sectors, and show ongoing commitment beyond the basics.
Minister for Veterans and People Al Carns said: “Employers are crucial partners in protecting our security and boosting the economy.
“By backing veterans, reservists, military families, cadet force adult volunteers and the cadet movement, these organisations build resilient communities and the innovation defence needs.
“I congratulate them and thank them for their outstanding commitment.”
This year’s winners came from a range of industries including finance, healthcare, retail, local Government and construction.
Major names on the list included London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) , Savills, Boots, NHS Fife, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Willmott Dixon, G4S, Cummins, Oracle Corporation (UK) Ltd, South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS FT and Sunderland AFC and Foundation of Light.
Daniel Maguire, head of markets at LSEG, said: “The Gold Award recognises LSEG’s long-term commitment to supporting the defence community.
“Our veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military families within LSEG all bring immense value.
“Their resilience, adaptability and unwavering sense of duty enrich our workplace and strengthen our culture across the globe, inspiring excellence across our business.”
Richard Rees, managing director of Savills (UK) Ltd, said: “Savills applied for the Gold-level Employer Recognition Scheme Award to demonstrate the strength of our commitment to the armed forces community.
“We have an exceptional employee offer, and our business provides a strong cultural fit for those with a background in the armed forces.
“We aim to be an example within our sector, advocating for the armed forces community to other businesses, suppliers and clients, and the recognition that we are achieving this is very welcome.”
Steve Ager, chief commercial officer and executive sponsor of the Boots Armed Forces Alliance Business Resource Group, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition through the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award.
“Boots has a proud history of supporting the armed forces in the UK, and this award reflects our continued commitment to supporting the armed forces, veterans, and their families.”
Other winners included Cumbria Constabulary, G4S, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, Morgan Sindall, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, and Oldham Council.
