FIVE Worcestershire employers have been commended for their support of the armed forces community through a national award.
The businesses were presented with a Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award at a ceremony hosted by the West Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) on September 26 a the National Memorial Arboretum.
The ERS awards were launched in 2014 to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for the employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces community.
The West Midlands RFCA congratulated Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, RT Consulting, Sanctuary Group, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and Worcestershire County Council, who were among the 26 organisations to receive their silver award across the region.
Guests at the awards ceremony were welcomed to the event by representatives from some of the local Royal Naval Reserve, Army Reserve and Royal Air Force Reserve units and the event concluded with a short Act of Remembrance at the Armed Forces Memorial.
Stephanie Bishop, head of consulting for RT Consulting said; “RT Consulting are immensely thankful to the Veteran, Reservist, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, and Military Spouses/Partners community, and it is our aim to continue our ongoing support to these groups wherever possible.
“The members of these communities are highly adaptable, results-driven, and incredibly resilient, skills that are invaluable in any area of life.
“We recognise the immense sacrifice that those within these communities may have endured or may be yet to.
“By pledging our continuous support and recognition of the value these skills can bring to the workplace we hope to help these individuals recognise their own talents and the value they can add to any organisation.”
Representatives for West Midland RFCA said: “We are absolutely delighted that 26 employers across our region have been recognised by the award this year.
“Having worked closely with these organisations over a number of months and years, we know of the commitment that they show and demonstrate, and applaud their recognition, which is justifiably deserved.
“Many congratulations to them all, we look forward to continuing our work with them.”
Visit www.wmrfca.org/employers or email [email protected] for more information about the awards scheme.
