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In 2018, having already been awarded Bronze and Silver we set out to go for Gold. Having worked hard throughout the year to hit the criteria, we soon realised that we were not yet eligible and probably not yet ready. That didn’t stop us being advocates though and we continued to scream and shout about all the benefits and positivity people from the Armed Forces Community have within business.
Two years on and the hard work paid off! We won it! RecruitME are now one of just 26 East Midlands businesses to have received this prestigious award since its inception. We are also the only Grantham business to hold the award which we are super proud of.
Chris Buck, Managing Director of RecruitME said:“we are thrilled and overwhelmed to have been awarded the Employers Recognition Scheme Gold Award. As a micro business founded by veterans just over 5 years ago to provide recruitment services, we’re well placed to advocate the benefits of veterans, reservists and service leavers.
Our team have worked tirelessly to make employers see the real value in hiring from the Armed Forces Community, the qualities, transferrable, leadership and technical skills that military personnel develop during their service, prepare them well to fulfil an exemplary civilian career with our clients across the East Midlands, but particularly within the local area.
Throughout our existence, our commitment to the scheme has been of the highest priority, championing the Armed Forces Covenant wherever we go and now we that have won the highest accolade within this national award, our commitment will only become greater.”
The scheme, which rewards employers who demonstrate exceptional support the armed forces community, takes into consideration a number of factors including employment of ex-military personnel, forces-friendly recruitment and support to Reservists.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
In order to be eligible for the Gold Award, employers must have already been awarded Bronze and Silver awards within the scheme and must advocate support to the Armed Forces community within their sector and region.
Johnny Mercer, Minister for Defence People and Veterans 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.”
Cat Suckling, the Ministry of Defence’s Assistant Regional Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands, said:“I’m thrilled that we can announce a record number of Gold award winners for the region. I know all of these organisations have worked hard to support Defence objectives and they are all very worthy winners.”
View the ERSgold award holders
From Left: Ross Park, Chris Buck, Howard Rudder & Ed Jepson
