A ceremony held at the Bishops Hull Reserve Centre in Taunton celebrated the exceptional contributions of local businesses to the Armed Forces community, as the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset presented the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Awards.
These awards acknowledge businesses that demonstrate outstanding support for Defence personnel, including Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and veterans. This year’s Silver Award recipients, who previously received a Bronze Award for pledging their commitment through the Armed Forces Covenant, have exemplified their dedication through various supportive measures.
Silver Award Recipients:
- Broadreach Group Ltd: A family recruitment business offering 5 days of paid leave for Reservists and actively recruiting veterans. They provide free career transition support and promote a flexible working environment for military families.
- NHS Somerset ICB: Responsible for health and care services for Somerset, they offer 5 days of paid leave for Reservists and support for Cadet Force members, alongside initiatives for veterans, including guaranteed interviews.
- P Cubed Projects Ltd (P3 Projects): A construction management company that provides additional leave for Reservists and Cadet Force Volunteers, while employing a significant number of veterans in their supply chain.
- South West Larder Ltd: This catering company supports local Cadets, offers 5 days of paid leave for Reservists, and actively promotes understanding of the Armed Forces community within their HR practices.
- Taunton Rugby Football Club: They have reaffirmed their commitment to the Armed Forces by providing guaranteed interviews for Cadets and flexible working arrangements for employees from the military community.
- Wessex Business School: Committed to supporting the Armed Forces community, they offer extensive leave for Reservists, mentorship for veterans, and facilitate career transition support.
- Whitetree: Specialising in solutions for Defence and Government, they advocate for the skills of service leavers and provide flexible working arrangements for military spouses.
These businesses are part of a group of 40 employers from across the South West recognised for their support this year.
Teri Underwood, Armed Forces Project Manager at NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board, said; “At NHS Somerset we recognise the value and service of our Armed Forces community. We continue to develop our commitment to them as an employer and as an organisation. We are proud to collaborate with other organisations to improve services for our serving military, their families, veterans and reservists across the County.”
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme continues to play a vital role in fostering relationships between the Armed Forces and local businesses, ensuring that the contributions of Defence personnel are acknowledged and valued.
Alongside employers, Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers were presented with His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates for Meritorious Service, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Defence community. Five Cadets were also invested as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets for Somerset for the upcoming year.
The Awards ceremonies, organised by Wessex RFCA on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant, celebrate outstanding contributions to the Reserve and Cadet Forces in the Wessex region. These prestigious awards recognise the dedication of individuals and organisations supporting military readiness and community engagement. By honouring excellence in leadership and service, the event fosters appreciation for the vital role of Reserve and Cadet Forces in local and national contexts, strengthening the bond between the military and the communities they serve.
The ERS Silver Award acknowledges organisations that actively support Defence personnel and have passed rigorous scrutiny by the tri-Service Regional Employer Engagement Board. To find out how your business can support the Armed Forces community, contact Regional Employer Engagement Directors Jon Beake wx-reed@rfca.mod.uk or Emily Kadoch wx-reed2@rfca.mod.uk.
