Jobs 22 awarded Silver Award
Jobs 22 proudly pledges support to military personnel in the workplace.
We are delighted to announce that Jobs 22 has achieved the Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). Last year we signed the Armed Forces Covenant to gain the ERS Bronze level, but we recognised more work was needed to achieve the Silver Award.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire other organisations 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.
Since achieving Bronze, work was started in order to reach the next level award. Evidence was gathered and submitted by Jill Lavis and the Armed Forces Working Group, which also includes, Nigel Benjamin, Martin Wood, Stephen Peake, Ayden Sims and Zuhrah Samim. We had to prove that work was being done in the organisation above and beyond our day job, and that Jobs 22 policies were aligned to support former Forces personnel. As part of that commitment, Jill and Nigel attended the Buckinghamshire Council Armed Forces Conference to understand more about the importance of the Covenant. Our thanks go to all of them and everyone who contributed to gaining the award.
Jobs 22 will continue to support the Armed Forces Covenant through the following activities:
· Promoting Jobs 22 as an Armed Forces-friendly and inclusive organisation and ensuring flexibility for employees who are part of the armed forces community.
· Supporting members armed forces community to transition into meaningful employment through tailored support.
· Jobs 22's health and wellness services will support members of the Armed Forces to live healthy and balanced lives.
· Attending or Supporting appropriate Armed Forces events.
The Silver Award will be formally presented to Jobs 22 in a ceremony in September at Admiralty House, the residence of the 2nd Sea Lord, HMNB Portsmouth on Wednesday 6 September 2023.
The Covenant promises that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly and respectfully in their workplaces and communities. More than 1500 organisations have signed the covenant, including all 407 local authorities in mainland Great Britain and four Northern Ireland councils.
