Five Staffordshire organisations have received a prestigious award recognising their commitment to supporting the armed forces community.
The Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is the highest accolade for employers who go above and beyond in supporting defence personnel, including veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military families.
This year’s winners from Staffordshire are ArB Tree Care (Specialists) Ltd, based in Cheadle, Stoke-based Benx Limited, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Belvoir Stafford and Stone, and Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre, based in Newcastle.
Minister for Veterans and People Al Carns said: “Employers are crucial partners in protecting our security and boosting the economy. By backing veterans, reservists, military families, cadet force adult volunteers and the cadet movement, these organisations build resilient communities and the innovation Defence needs. I congratulate them and thank them for their outstanding commitment.”
To receive the Gold Award, organisations must offer a minimum of 10 days’ additional paid leave for reservists, implement HR policies supporting veterans and cadet force adult volunteers, actively advocate for Defence across their networks and show sustained commitment beyond the scheme’s minimum requirements.
A regional ceremony to present the awards will take place this autumn.
Army veteran and Benx Group CEO Dr Kevin Ruane said: “At Benx, we have a long-term commitment and partnership in supporting the armed forces community by playing an important role as a forces-friendly employer. We are all immensely proud to receive the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
“We have proudly championed the defence community within our sector, encouraging our partners, suppliers, and peers to follow suit. We have shared best practices and supported Armed Forces charities. Our commitment to the Armed Forces and their families is unwavering for the future.”
