University recognised by MoD for support of Armed Forces community
The University of Bradford has been recognised as one of the country's leading employers for its support of the Armed Forces, having been honoured at a special awards ceremony as part of the Government's Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
The University is among only 15 organisations from across the Yorkshire region to have won the award this year.
The University was applauded for its flexible working practices and positive support for reservists, Cadet Force Adult Instructors, veterans and families of service personnel.
Joanne Marshall, HR Director of Human Resources and Organisational development at the University, received the Silver ERS Award from Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Dame Ingrid Roscoe DCVO, and Brigadier Oliver Stokes, Brigade Commander, 4th Infantry Brigade, in a ceremony at Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield.
She said: “The University of Bradford is very proud of its work with the RFCA in Yorkshire and The Humber, and its impact on the local community, and will continue to support, develop and maximise opportunities to work together over the coming year.”
The ceremony, which is run by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) in Yorkshire and The Humber on behalf of 4th Infantry Brigade, was also attended by many dignitaries, including the Master Cutler, senior Armed Forces representatives from across the region and Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants of North, South, East and West Yorkshire.
Brigadier Stokes said: “Fifteen businesses from across the region received the prestigious Silver award in recognition of the outstanding commitment they have made to the Armed Forces, whether by supporting service leavers and assisting them into employment, by assisting their staff who also serve in the Reserves, by working with military families or by supporting the region’s Cadet Forces. These awards are important, but so is our continued relationship with employers and their continued commitment to the forces family, and we look forward to a future of mutual benefit. Many congratulations to all the winners.”
Colonel Jason Wright, Chief Executive of the RFCA in Yorkshire and The Humber, added: “The RFCA, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, is delighted to be recognising the level of support and commitment these organisations are providing to our Armed Forces and we are enormously grateful for that support. Their understanding of the value that reservists, ex-regulars and Cadet Force adult volunteers bring to the workplace is a great example to other employers and it is the values and high standards of the British military which make these employees stand out. They bring high levels of motivation, self-discipline, confidence, communication, teamwork, leadership, all of which make a positive contribution to any employer’s bottom line.
“Combined with professional qualifications in subjects including first aid, health and safety, driving and technical qualifications, all of which are now accredited by professional bodies, the benefits of employing military people become very compelling. I am very pleased these organisations have been recognised appropriately for their support.”
The launch of the Employer Recognition Scheme was a commitment made in the July 2013 White Paper entitled ‘Reserves in the Future Force 2020: Valuable and Valued’, and takes into account the views of a wide range of companies and industry bodies who championed the value in publicly recognising employers supportive to Reservists.
Reservists in the Yorkshire and Humber areas serve in the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marines, the Army Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and can be mobilised wherever needed to work alongside Britain’s regular Armed Forces. Reservists are an integral part of the UK Armed Forces and are trained to a high standard.