Trust Support for Veterans Achieves Gold Award

July 12, 2023

We are proud to have achieved the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award for our work to support veterans and serving military personnel.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest badge of honour, recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting the Armed Forces community.

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said:

I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards. I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.”

Neil Savage, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development for the Trust, said: “We are delighted to have achieved Gold ERS status, in recognition of our ongoing commitment towards our armed forces community. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the people who serve our country at home and overseas and as one of Gloucestershire’s largest employers and provider of services we are fully committed to doing everything we can to support our serving military personnel, their families and our veterans.”

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, delivered by Defence Relationship Management has a current total of 641 holders. Organisations must reapply every five years to retain their Gold Award status.

To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists, and have supportive HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme.

The full list of Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners is available here.

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