Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme is a prestigious award that recognizes British Army-supporting employers in the United Kingdom who demonstrate exceptional support for Armed Forces personnel, Royal Navy reservists, and Royal Air Force veterans. The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with Career Transition Partnership, Forces in Mind Trust, and Royal British Legion. The award aims to encourage employers to support the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise by the UK Government to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces are treated with fairness and respect. Employers such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce Holdings, and BT Group have been recognized for their support.

Introduction

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Defence to recognize employers who demonstrate outstanding support for Armed Forces personnel, Royal Navy reservists, and Royal Air Force veterans. The scheme is part of the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise by the UK Government to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces are treated with fairness and respect. Employers such as GKN Aerospace, Leonardo S.p.A., and Thales Group have been recognized for their support, which includes providing Flexible working arrangements, Mental health support, and Career development opportunities. The scheme is also supported by organizations such as the Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors, and Confederation of British Industry.

Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, employers must demonstrate their support for Armed Forces personnel, Royal Navy reservists, and Royal Air Force veterans through their policies and practices. Employers such as Asda, Sainsbury's, and Tesco have been recognized for their support, which includes providing Employee benefits such as Pension schemes and Health insurance. The application process involves a self-assessment of the employer's support for the Armed Forces, which is then verified by the Ministry of Defence. Employers such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London have also been recognized for their support, which includes providing Scholarships and Research grants.

Award Levels and Criteria

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme has three award levels: Bronze award, Silver award, and Gold award. The Bronze award is awarded to employers who demonstrate a commitment to supporting Armed Forces personnel, Royal Navy reservists, and Royal Air Force veterans. The Silver award is awarded to employers who demonstrate a more comprehensive support for the Armed Forces, including providing Flexible working arrangements and Mental health support. The Gold award is awarded to employers who demonstrate an exceptional support for the Armed Forces, including providing Career development opportunities and Employee benefits. Employers such as BBC, ITV (TV network), and Sky UK have been recognized for their support, which includes providing Apprenticeships and Work experience.

Benefits and Impact

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme has several benefits for employers, including enhanced reputation, improved recruitment and retention, and increased employee engagement. Employers such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon (company) have been recognized for their support, which includes providing Diversity and inclusion training and Mental health support. The scheme also has a positive impact on the Armed Forces community, as it encourages employers to support Armed Forces personnel, Royal Navy reservists, and Royal Air Force veterans. Organizations such as the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, and Help for Heroes have also been recognized for their support, which includes providing Welfare services and Charity work.

Notable Recipients

Several notable employers have received the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme award, including AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and Pfizer. These employers have demonstrated exceptional support for Armed Forces personnel, Royal Navy reservists, and Royal Air Force veterans, including providing Flexible working arrangements, Mental health support, and Career development opportunities. Other notable recipients include Network Rail, Transport for London, and London Underground, which have been recognized for their support, including providing Apprenticeships and Work experience. Employers such as University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, and University of Bristol have also been recognized for their support, which includes providing Scholarships and Research grants. Category:Awards