Ten employers have been presented with the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award at a special ceremony in Cardiff.
The employers from across Wales were recognised for the outstanding support they give to the Armed Forces Community at the awards ceremony held at HMS CAMBRIA, Cardiff Bay.
The awards evening began with a drinks reception with guests treated to music from Cerys Rees, regimental harpist of the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh. Guests were also entertained by the Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh.
The compère for the evening was Sian Lloyd, with the welcome address given by Alun Davies MS. The opening address was given by Neil ‘Jacko’ Jackson Director Defence Relationship Management. Vice Admiral Phil Hally CB MBE, Chief of Defence People, gave the keynote address.
Recipients from Wales were:
- Age Cymru Dyfed
- B.C.B International Limited
- Brightlink Learning Ltd
- Espanaro Ltd
- Fantom Factory Ltd
- Jackson Fire & Security UK Ltd
- Pembrokeshire County Council
- Pinnacle Document Solutions Limited
- Regiment Training Group Limited
- Regimental Cleaning Services Ltd
The awards were presented jointly by Vice Admiral Phil Hally CB MBE, Colonel Sion Walker OBE, Deputy Commander 160th (Welsh) Brigade and Air Officer Wales, Air Commodore Rob Woods OBE.
Age Cymru Dyfed CEO Simon Wright said:
‘I’m proud that our charity has been recognised so highly for its excellent work within the Employer Recognition Scheme. The charity formed in 2020 and one of its key remits is to support older veterans, serving personnel and families, this award precisely illustrates our wider mission to support and raise an inclusive welcome to the defence community and their families.’
Tony Fish, the MOD’s Regional Employer Engagement Director for North Wales said:
“To win a gold, an organisation must demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting the armed forces community.
“The winners have all been powerful advocates for the Armed Forces Covenant by actively engaging with their peers, encouraging them to employ armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families, and providing robust and sustained support for reservists.”
Awarded by the Ministry of Defence, the Employer Recognition Scheme formally recognises organisations that employ and support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Across the UK, 193 organisations received the Gold award this year.
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.
To find out more about the ERS and how your organisation could support Defence personnel in the workplace through the Armed Forces Covenant contact:
Tony Fish, Regional Employer Engagement Director for North Wales, wa-reed2@rfca.mod.uk Mold Office. Tel: 01352 752782 Mob: 07508 193902
Craig Middle, Regional Employer Engagement Director for South Wales, wa-reed@rfca.mod.uk Mob: 07970 493086
To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme and how your business can benefit from supporting the Armed Forces Community visit here
