Midlands based employers receive coveted Ministry of Defence award

Twenty-six employers from the West Midlands region, including seven from the West Midlands, have been presented with their Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Awards.

The West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association’s (West Midland RFCA) awards took place on Tuesday, 26 September, at 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.

This includes the Reserves, Service leavers, Armed Forces veterans, the wounded, injured and sick, cadets, military spouses or partners and their families.

Marston's PLC, Sandwell College, St. Modwen Properties PLC, Steps to Work, STS Aviation Services UK Limited, Summit Learning Trust and West Midlands Trains received the award.

Imogen Day, VP Human Resources for STS Aviation Services UK Ltd said, "We are extremely proud as a Company to be delivering the next generation of Military Aircraft - the E7 Wedgetail.

“Obtaining Silver ERS status supports our commitment and contributions to the Armed Forces through the world class work that we are performing on a daily basis, which can only be delivered through the people that we employ. Within both our Military or Civilian Aviation operations we see the incredible value that the transferable skills from the Armed Forces brings to our organisation.

“Being awarded Silver ERS status enables us to demonstrate our commitment to this community, our existing employees, customers, suppliers and prospective employees."

Graham Whitehouse, Philip Sinclair and Cat Suckling, regional employer engagement directors for West Midland RFCA commented on the awards: “The Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support Defence and inspire others to do the same.

“The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards for organisations that pledge, demonstrate and advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces community, and who align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. 

“We are absolutely delighted that 26 employers across our region have been recognised by the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver 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.”

The lunch time event was held in Aspects at the iconic National Memorial Arboretum, a fitting place for such awards to be presented.

Guests 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.  

Click here to find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme or contact [email protected].