Employers thanked for supporting reservists at a special awards evening in Cardiff
17 Welsh employers have been recognised for the support they give to the armed forces community with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.
Silver ERS Awards 2023. Copyright: RFCA for Wales
An amazing 17 Welsh organisations have been presented with the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2023.
The employers from across Wales were recognised for the support they give to the armed forces community at a special event held at HMS CAMBRIA, Cardiff on Thursday 28 September.
The compere for the evening was Sian Lloyd, and the opening address was given by Colonel Sion Walker Deputy Commander 160th (Welsh) Brigade.
The recipients were:
- Age Cymru Dyfed
- APK Security Ltd
- Bridgend County Borough Council
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Carmarthenshire County Council
- Espanaro Ltd
- Gwent Police
- Health Education and Improvement Wales
- Involve Recruitment
- Neath Port Talbot Council
- North Wales 4x4 Ltd
- Regimental Cleaning Services Ltd
- The Family Foundation
- The Mentor Ring
- Topwood Ltd
- Valley Veterans
- YourNorth Veteran Support CIC
The awards were presented jointly by Commander Steve Drysdale OBE Royal Navy, Colonel Sion Walker Deputy Commander 160th (Welsh) Brigade and Air Officer Wales, Air Commodore Adrian Williams OBE.
The closing address was given by the chairman for RFCA for Wales Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL.
Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the Silver ERS Award recognises employers who have actively demonstrated their support for the armed forces community through implementing practical policies in the workplace.
To achieve silver, organisations must proactively demonstrate that the armed forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruitment policies. They must also actively ensure their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards defence people issues for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
Professor Cara Aitchison, Vice Chancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “On behalf of our Cardiff Met community, I’m delighted to receive this award which ties in so well with our values, purpose and priorities. The University recognises the value of supporting the Armed Forces, including serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families and the wide range of skills and experience they bring to our community.”
Mr Craig Middle, the MOD’s Regional Employer Engagement Director South said, “We are delighted that so many employers in Wales have been recognised with the Silver Award.”
2023 marks the tenth year of the award 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:
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Craig Middle, Regional Employer Engagement Director South, wa-reed@rfca.mod.uk Mob: 07970 493086.
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Tony Fish, Regional Employer Engagement Director for North Wales, wa-reed2@rfca.mod.uk Mob: 07508 193902.