11 East Anglian organisations receive the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour

19 Nov 11 East Anglian organisations receive the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour

Yesterday, Wednesday 17^th November, employers and organisations from across London, East Anglia and the South East attended a ceremony at the Honourable Artillery Company in London to receive their Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards; the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour in recognition of supporting the Armed Forces Community. The awards were presented by the Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin MP.

Nationally, a record breaking 140 organisations received the award this year and instead of one national event, four regional ceremonies were organised to celebrate those that employ and support individuals who serve, veterans and their families.

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said: “I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the Defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.

“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”

To win an award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Organisations 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.

This year, organisations include NHS trusts, educational institutions, financial services, hotels, charities, law firms, police services, football clubs and museums. Nearly 50 per cent are a small or medium-sized enterprise and 72 per cent are private companies, demonstrating the wide range of organisations offering support to the military community regardless of size, sector or location.

East Anglia celebrated 11 ERS Gold Award winners this year; Broadland District Council, Chapman Ventilation Ltd, CNet Training, Essex Partnership University NHS Trust, Levertech Aviation Services Limited, Norfolk County Council, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, RCR Services UK Ltd, RT Infrastructure Solutions Ltd, South Norfolk Council and Your Telemarketing Ltd.

Iain Finch, H&S Facilities & Logistics Team, Chapman Ventilation, said;  “We are delighted to have been awarded the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award.  We are proud of our commitment to the people of the Armed Forces community, from supporting Service Leavers in transition and employing Reservists and Veterans, to supporting Armed Forces Week activities and ‘Saluting our Forces!’”

Cllr Florence Ellis, Chairman, South Norfolk Council, said; “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded a 2021 Defence Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award. This reflects our dedication, and ongoing commitment, to ensuring we recognise the selfless actions shown by our Armed Forces Community and their Families. We take huge pride in offering our support to them, just as they supported our nation through their service.”

In addition to the London event, ceremonies are also taking place in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Leeds.

Award recipients on Wednesday 17^th November