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Ten Welsh companies received the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award at a special ceremony in Cardiff.
The joint regional event held last month at HMS CAMBRIA saw employers from Wales, West Midlands and Wessex recognized for their exceptional support to the military community.
Nationally, 140 organizations received the award.
The Wales recipients were: Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council; Butterfly data; Cardiff and Vale College; Defense electronics and components agency; E-Cycle Limited; Empower Support for the Voluntary Sector Ltd; Queen’s Dragoon Guards and Royal Welsh Range Museum; Hazelwood Carpentry Contractors Ltd; Hywel Dda University Health Board and Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust.
Additionally, there were 15 winners in the West Midlands region and 13 in the RFCA region of Wessex.
Representing the highest badge of honor, the Employer Recognition Program (ERS) Gold Awards are presented to those who employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
This year’s winners bring the total number of gold holders to 493.
Defense, People and Veterans Affairs Minister Leo Docherty said
“I would like to thank all of the organizations that have proven their support to the Defense community during an unprecedented and difficult time.
“The wide lineup of individuals recognized this year shows how the employment of the military community has a truly positive and beneficial impact on all employers, regardless of size, industry or location. “
To win an award, organizations must provide an additional 10 days of paid leave for Reservists and have human resource support policies in place for Veterans, Reservists and Adult Volunteers of the Cadet Force, as well as the spouses and partners of those who serve in the armed forces.
Organizations should also advocate for the benefits of supporting members of the armed forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Pact and engage in the Employer Recognition Program.
This year, organizations include NHS trusts, educational institutions, financial services, hotels, charities, law firms, police services, football clubs and museums. Almost 50 percent are small or medium-sized enterprises and 72 percent are private companies, demonstrating the wide range of organizations providing support to the military community, regardless of their size, industry or location.
The evening began with a performance by the Royal Marines Band in a sunset ceremony. Guests were then greeted by RFCA Chief Executive for Wales Col. Dominic Morgan OBE who introduced Chief of Defense Lieutenant General James Swift OBE who delivered the speech opening.
The Welsh Awards were presented jointly by Rear Admiral Keith Beckett CBE and Air Wales Officer Air Commodore Adrian Williams OBE.
Jason Killens, Managing Director of Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, said:
“We are delighted to be recognized as a benchmark employer at this year’s awards. As a uniformed service, we are extremely proud of our close bond with military members, regulars and reservists, and their families.
“The military played a vital role in supporting our ambulance service during one of the most difficult times in its history. Service personnel helped outfit our ambulances and prepare them for use during the pandemic, so we are keen to ensure that this engagement is fantastic with strong support to the Armed Forces Convention through recruiting and supporting d veterans, reservists and their families. “
Mr Tony Fish, MOD’s Regional Director of Employer Engagement for North Wales, said:
“We are delighted that so many employers in Wales have been recognized with this Gold Award. It is especially gratifying that these employers have worked so hard to support our military community during an extremely difficult year. “
2021 is the first year that there hasn’t been a single national awards ceremony. This is due to the high number of winners (140 in total). Instead, regional ceremonies were held in Edinburgh, London and Wales, with Leeds on November 25.
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