Six Staffordshire employers have achieved a Silver Award in recognition for commitment to defence personnel.
The organisations were among 36 from the West Midlands to be presented with Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Awards at a ceremony held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas.
The Silver Award recognises organisations who implement forces-friendly policies and positive measures within their workforce, proactively supporting members of the Armed Forces and the wider forces family – including Reservists, Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, veterans and military families.
Those from Staffordshire picking up awards were Alton Towers Resort, Carnell Support Services, Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire, Ford Mainwaring, Shepherd PR and WIOSS Witron On Site Services.
Daniel Bailey, Managing Director of Wolstanton-based building services company Ford Mainwaring, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have achieved the ERS Silver Award. As a business that regularly operates within operational MOD sites, we deeply value the skills, discipline, and dedication that veterans, reservists, and service leavers bring to our industry.
“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, both through our employment practices and the partnerships we maintain across the public sector.”
Talking about the winners’ achievements, Darren Knight, Defence Relationship Manager for host the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association, said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are honoured and delighted to be able to recognise the outstanding support and commitment to the Armed Forces, by businesses and organisations across the West Midlands, through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
“Each recipient has demonstrated not only their support to the Armed Forces Covenant and the wider Armed Forces community, but also that they are prepared to support their Reservists, Service leavers, Forces’ family members, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets in the workplace.”
The awards were presented on behalf of Defence by Lieutenant Colonel Keith Spiers, Head of Engagement for the Army Headquarters Centre.
