On 19th of February we hosted an Employer Recognition Scheme Celebration event in the Samoa Suite at the HMS Wellington in London.
To deliver the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) on behalf of Ministry of Defence our Engagement team engages with London-based organisations by encouraging them to support the Armed Forces community operating within and outside their business agenda through formal and informal networks and by signing the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC).
The AFC is a commitment from the nation to serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, and their families that they should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society that they serve with their lives.
The ERS acknowledges employers who have provided exceptional support to the Armed Forces community, and defence as a whole, by going above and beyond their AFC pledges, especially for Reservists.
Through a three-tier approach of Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, the scheme recognises the different levels of commitment provided by employers.
By hosting this reception, we aimed to assist these supportive organisations by developing a positive environment for a collaborative network to develop.
The Defence Relationship Managers within our Engagement team ensure that organisations looking to climb the ERS ladder are supported throughout the process.
Employers holding a Silver ERS Award were encouraged to apply for Gold and best practices were shared by organisations already at Gold. Some organisations in attendance will either be applying for a Gold ERS Award for the first time or renewing their award as is mandated after a five-year period since they last received their award.
In addition to the networking event, we awarded organisations that revalidated their Gold or Silver ERS award.
Gold ERS Revalidation:
- Capco
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust
- North London NHS Foundation Trust
- Northern Trust
- PA Consulting
- St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Vigilance Properties Ltd
Silver ERS Revalidation:
- 4GD Limited
- Arup
- BMF HOLDCO LIMITED
- Chubb Fire & Security
- ICTS (UK) Limited
- Primary Care Management Solutions Ltd
- Quilter
- The Soldiers’ Arts Academy C.I.C
- Venn Group
We thank HMS Wellington for hosting us at such a spectacular venue. The WELLINGTON is one of only two surviving WWII British Royal Navy Warships permanently moored on the Thames Embankment; many others have since disappeared making the WELLINGTON’s presence at Temple Stairs even more important.
A national treasure, owned by the Wellington Trust, WELLINGTON is no 502 on the Historic Ships Register and was granted World Ship Status in 2004. She has been a much-loved feature on the riverscape since her arrival in 1948.
You can learn more about venue hire and how to support HMS Wellington here: https://www.thewellingtontrust.org/
Another thank you to those who attended, we hope you benefited from the networking reception and continue supporting those who serve.