Three North East companies and two public bodies have received gold award from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for demonstrating exceptional and sustained support for the Armed Forces community. They are among 162 new nationwide gold award winners this year.
The recipients under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) are helping veterans secure jobs, supporting reservists in balancing military and civilian careers, and backing military families through workplace policies, said the MOD.
This year’s recipients represent organisations of every size and from a broad range of industries, including finance, manufacturing, healthcare, education, construction, transport, professional services, retail, emergency services and local government.
Together, they demonstrate the growing commitment of UK employers to recognising the skills, experience and values that members of the armed forces community bring to the workplace said the MOD.
Going beyond…
Now in its twelfth year, the ERS gold award continues to celebrate employers that go beyond their Armed Forces Covenant commitments by embedding forces-friendly policies, advocating for defence and creating inclusive workplaces where veterans, reservists, military families and cadet force adult volunteers can thrive, added the Ministry.
The North East winners this year are Draeger Safety Ltd, Durham Police, Northumbrian Water Group, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and The Spark Labs.
Incredibly proud
Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey, said: “For a veteran starting a new chapter, or a reservist balancing two demanding roles, having an employer in your corner makes an enormous difference. These 162 organisations have gone out of their way to make veterans, reservists and military families feel genuinely welcome and supported. I’m incredibly proud to recognise them, and I hope their example inspires many more.
To achieve gold award status, employers must demonstrate that they:
- provide at least 10 days’ additional paid leave for reservists each year;
- have supportive HR policies for reservists, service families, veterans and cadet force adult volunteers;
- actively promote the Armed Forces Covenant and encourage others to support defence; and
- demonstrate long-term, proactive commitment that exceeds the scheme’s baseline requirements.
Gold award holders play an important role in encouraging other organisations to strengthen their support for the armed Forces community, helping to build a more inclusive workforce while supporting Defence’s people agenda and strengthening the nation’s resilience, said the ministry.
Northumbrian Water
Elouise Leonard-Cross, Northumbrian Water’s Group people director said: “”We’re incredibly proud to receive the gold covenant award and to have our commitment to the armed forces community recognised in this way. Through our Joining Water with Forces programme, we’ve created a network that celebrates the experience, skills and perspectives that veterans and reservists bring to our organisation.
“The success of the scheme is driven by our people, who have built a supportive community that helps colleagues thrive both professionally and personally. We’re proud of the diverse backgrounds and experiences represented across our workforce, and it’s fantastic to see the work of our colleagues recognised through this award.”
Durham Police
Assistant Chief Constable of Durham, Jon McAdam, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award from the Ministry of Defence. It is fantastic news to receive a gold award, which recognises our ongoing commitment to supporting former and serving armed forces personnel.The sacrifices that those in the armed forces, and their families, have made and continue to make are highly commendable.
“It is vital that we continue to recognise the transferable skills armed forces veterans bring to the policing family. We will continue to do all we can to ensure the armed forces community are treated with fairness and respect in society and in the workplace.”
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