Regional record of eight Yorkshire and the Humber’s top employers honoured for their support for the military

10th August 2020

Eight employers from across Yorkshire, the Humber and North Lincolnshire have each achieved national recognition for their support for the military – a new regional record.

They have each won a Gold Award under the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). To reach the prestigious Gold Award level, employers need to go the extra mile for the military, for example, by offering guaranteed interviews, offering extra paid leave to their employed reservists to attend annual training camps and advocating support to defence people issues to their partner organisations, suppliers and customers with tangible positive results.

The 2020 ERS Gold winners are:

• Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council 
• East Riding College 
• Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 
• Mid Yorkshire Hospitals 
• NHS Trust North 
• Lincolnshire Council 
• North Yorkshire County Council 
• York St John University 
• York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Nick Wood, (Military Culture and Transition Lead) at York St John University, said:

“Being a veteran myself I am absolutely delighted to learn that our university has received the prestigious ERS Gold Award. “To be recognised in this way reflects the incredible hard work by our CPD team, HR in supporting our reservists, Health and Business school staff and students, student engagement staff and YSJ staff who are veterans themselves.

“The Award resonates with one of the core values we work towards which is making a positive difference within our community and to engage with social and community issues to enhance people’s lives for the better. A significant and very proud day for York St John University.”

Testing times

Colonel Jason Wright, Chief Executive at RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber, said:

“I am delighted that these companies have been recognised for their hard work with an ERS Gold Award.

“Despite the testing times we are currently living in they have continued to demonstrate, their support and commitment to treating the armed forces community fairly. Many congratulations to all.”

Now in its seventh year, the ERS rewards employers who employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families – typically by putting in place employment practices that support reservists to train and mobilise and veterans to transition to civilian life. The RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber run the scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Defence in the region.

Praise from ministers

Commenting on the announcement of the 2020 ERS Gold Awards, Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer, said:

“The breadth and diversity of the winners this year shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to grow no matter the sector, company size or location. I am grateful for the positive attitude and flexible policies these organisations have adapted towards the defence community, which is testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation.

“I am delighted that so many companies are supporting our people and that, through this scheme, we can give them the public recognition they deserve.”