Saturday 8th June was a day to feel very patriotic, proud of our Armed Forces and celebrate not only our Monarch’s birthday but the tremendous support East Anglian employers give to the Defence community.
As guests of East Anglia RFCA, representatives from BT Openreach, Chapman Ventilation, Colchester Borough Council, CS Hodges & Sons Ltd, East of England Ambulance Service, Marshalls Cambridge, MBDA Systems, Milbank Concrete Products Ltd, Morson Group, Raytheon Systems Ltd and The College of West Anglia had the opportunity to watch the celebrations on Horse Guards Parade and join one another over lunch at the East India Club.
Jon Moon, Contracts Manager from the Morson Group commented, “Being a veteran myself, it was an honour and privilege to be invited to represent the Morson Group at this year’s Trooping the Colour Parade. We joined other Companies from across East Anglia that have achieved the Ministry of Defence’s Gold Award in recognition of their commitment and support to the Armed Forces Covenant and were expertly hosted by East Anglia RFCA.
After the parade we dined with other like-minded companies, discussing all manner of topics ranging from Reserves and supporting our Veterans to the upcoming Rugby World Cup and Boots2Africa.”
Shaun Hindle, Director of Employer Engagement from the College of West Anglia, added, “What a great way to join like-minded people together to celebrate the Queen’s Birthday. It was great to discuss over lunch the value of the Armed Forces, the role it plays for the country and the opportunity it has to show itself in all its glory. The Employer Engagement Team did a fantastic job in organising the event which ran like clockwork.”
The majority of companies that attended have, in the past year, received the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of achievement for those that employ and support members of the Armed Forces – past and present – and their families; the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
Reflecting on the day, Regional Employer Engagement Director, Kristina Carrington said, “The Queen’s Birthday parade is one of the highlights of our engagement calendar and it was a fantastic occasion for us all. Our local employers have exceeded all expectations this year in supporting the Defence community and it was wonderful to be able to thank them for their contributions.”
The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched in 2014 by the then Prime Minister David Cameron to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces Community. This includes Reserves, Service leavers, Armed Forces Veterans, the wounded, injured and sick, Cadets, military spouses or partners and their families.
