Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) has been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS) Gold Award for the Service’s outstanding support to the Armed Forces community.
Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive human resources policies in place for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
MFRS Strategic Sponsor for the Armed Forces Network Area Manager Kevin Longshaw:
“Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and the Authority recognises the contribution that people who have served in the military have made and continue to make. We have a long and proud history with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and being acknowledged as a Gold Award recipient is an incredible privilege and honour.
“As a Service, we believe it is our responsibility to be a standard bearer for the sector in showing unwavering support to our Armed Forces community. This award demonstrates our commitment and given our links across the Civil Contingencies arena, will hopefully encourage others to offer similar commitment and support.”
In March, MFRS reaffirmed their commitment to the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant at Service Headquarters with current Reservists and Armed Forces personnel in attendance.
The Covenant is a promise by the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated fairly and should not face disadvantages when seeking to access public or private goods and services in the United Kingdom.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, delivered by Defence Relationship Management has a current total of 641 holders. Organisations must reapply every five years to retain their Gold Award status.
Additional information:
The ERS was launched to recognise and reward employers who support Defence and inspire others to do the same. To find out more about the ERS and Armed Forces Covenant, see: Employers - North West Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (nwrfca.org.uk).
The full list of Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners is available here.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. More information about the Armed Forces Covenant and how to get involved is available here.