Tree Northamptonshire organisations have achieved the Silver Award, awarded to them by the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The tree organisations include the builders’ merchants Travis Perkins PLC. The other organisations include Metcalf Commercial Decorators Ltd and Goodwill Solutions.
In order to promote the unique skillset and training gained by employing an individual with a military background or training, the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme looks to award businesses with a Bronze, Silver and Gold award initiative. In order to be awarded with the Silver Award, an organisation must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and employ at least one member of the Armed Forces community.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment that has been made between the Armed Forces, the government and the organisation to support the Defence sector by employing more people from the Armed Forces community. This covenant is integrating more support for the Defence sector, those that are serving or have served in the Armed Forces and their families. Another requirement for the Silver Award is to demonstrate flexibility through established HR policies and procedures for annual training and other commitments and mobilisation related to the military.
All three of the organisations who have been recognised with the Silver award employ a number of reservists and service leavers, and have signed the Covenant. For example, builders’ merchants, Travis Perkins have employed around 200 service leavers and was the 1,500th company to sign the covenant.
Travis Perkins PLC, Metcalf Commercial Decorators Ltd and Goodwill Solutions will all earn employees with skills and experience which is almost unique to those with military training, and can bring added value to a company. The three organisations to be recognised for achieving the Silver Awards requirements will be invited to a formal presentation in November in order to receive certification for their achievement.
