Employers around our region take big step in supporting Defence community

Guests and representatives from the East Anglian winners of the ERS Silver Awards 2024 stand with their certificates

A dozen East Anglian businesses received their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Awards at a glittering ceremony last week.

Each of the 12—from businesses and public sector bodies to charities and social enterprises—was recognised for its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Christopher Walkinshaw, Chair of East Anglia RFCA's Regional Employer Engagement Group, standing at the top of a grand staircase with with Silver Award winners and RFCA staff on the steps below him
Christopher Walkinshaw, Chair of East Anglia RFCA’s Regional Employer Engagement Group, with Silver Award winners and the RFCA team

The Covenant is a voluntary agreement with the Ministry of Defence for employers to treat Armed Forces veterans, reservists and those still in regular service fairly and supportively. That support can come from HR policies, recruitment processes and in other forms, too.

The Silver Awards are the penultimate tier of ERS involvement. In addition to signing the Covenant and continuing to meet all criteria for a Bronze Award—which they will already hold—Silver Award winners must show additional commitment to the Covenant’s goals.

EARFCA chief executive Col. Leona Barr-Jones discusses the value employers bring to the Defence Community during the Awards dinner
EARFCA chief executive Col. Leona Barr-Jones discusses the value employers bring to the Defence Community during the Awards dinner

Mike Cornell is a senior consultant at Aiimi, a creative tech company that received one of last week’s Silver Awards. Mike said: “I met Aiimi at a jobs fair for service leavers two years ago. They didn’t have a suitable role at the time, but when the right role came up, they reached out to me.”

Aiimi’s founder and CEO, Steve Salvin, said: “Our Armed Forces employees bring so much to Aiimi and our customers…They hold us to account with the discipline and rigour they apply to everything they do.”

Michael Cornell and Charlotte Richmond attended the Silver Awards 2024 presentation on behalf of Aiimi
Michael Cornell and Charlotte Richmond attended the Silver Awards 2024 presentation with winning company Aiimi

Criteria for Silver include employing at least one member of the Armed Forces community with support in place for service-related needs. HR policies must be in place that do the same for all employees who have military experience—or support the Cadets Forces through volunteering.

Wayne Copsey is a service manager for The Matthew Project, a charity supporting people in addressing substance abuse and mental health concerns. Wayne said: “I have witnessed first-hand how the organisation has adopted a flexible approach to meet the needs of the veterans who work here.”

Rachel Chapman, executive officer at The Matthew Project, added: “We pride ourselves on having people from all walks of life working within our charity. Having veterans and reservists in our team adds a wealth of experience.”

Guests and representatives from the East Anglian winners of the ERS Silver Awards 2024 stand with their certificates
Representatives from the ERS Silver Awards 2024 standing with their certificates

Employers must also offer their staff flexibility to meet Reservist training commitments and support employment of Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), veterans and their spouses and partners.

Duot Ajang is a Reservist with the Royal Engineers and a project manager for another of last week’s Silver winners, Waterman Aspen. Duot said: “My military career has been supported by Waterman Aspen…I had concerns initially but was reassured by Waterman Aspen’s ambition to obtain a Gold Award.”

Waterman Aspen’s managing director, Mark Emberton, said: “Defence is a new sector for us, and we are excited to continue to develop new relationships. To achieve the Silver Award is a testament to the dedication shown by our Armed Forces Champions.”

The 2024 ERS Silver Awards for East Anglian employers

Congratulations to all this year’s Silver Award winners, who also include:

  • AM Specialists Group—managing director Mark John Foster said: “We as a company support Defence personnel, initially as both the MD and director are ex-military, having served in the RAF and the Reserves.”
  • Bacton Transport—managing director Charles Downie said: “We have been privileged over the years to benefit from the incredible skills and experience people from the Armed Forces bring to our business across a range of roles.”
  • Boons Transport—network director Ricky Batchelor said: “We believe that Boons Transport benefits from the notable skills and qualities that veterans bring to the workplace and we fully support the valuable contribution of our Reservists and CFAVs [to our community].”
  • BiKBBI, the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation—chief executive officer Damian Walters said: “Employing veterans and Reservists enriches our business, fostering a culture of leadership, resilience and teamwork.”
  • Colchester Borough Homes—chief executive Philip Sullivan said: “We are proud to stand alongside our Armed Forces community…We are committed to removing barriers and fostering an inclusive environment for those with an Armed Forces background.”
  • Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust—chief executive Caroline Donovan said: “We are proud of our journey to achieve the Silver Award. The growth of our veterans support [network] gives members the chance to influence positive change and improve services.”
  • Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust—chief executive Matthew Winn said: “In understanding the challenges faced by veterans and their families, we are better equipped to support our veteran colleagues and patients, including those from Armed Forces families.”
  • Shared Service Connected Ltd—the managing director of SSCL Defence, Matt Hurley, said: “Our support empowers members of the Armed Forces community with opportunities to transition into meaningful [civilian] careers, ensuring they receive the respect…they deserve.”
  • Suffolk Constabulary—Deputy Chief Constable Rob Jones said: “We are incredibly proud to receive the Silver Award for our continued support and commitment to the Armed Forces community…We look forward to building on our success and ensuring we work hard to develop relationships with service leavers for years to come.”

To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme and how our Employer Engagement team can support you, email ea-engagement@rfca.mod.uk

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