Universal Defence and Security Solutions (UDSS) has been officially recognised for its outstanding commitment to the Armed Forces with a Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The Gold Award - the highest accolade of its kind - is a salute to employers who champion the cause of the Armed Forces community through proactive recruiting from the Armed Forces community, mentoring veterans in transition into the civilian workforce, providing an Armed Forces network and championing the work of the UK’s Reserve and Cadet force.
Reflecting on this recognition, Co-Chairman of UDSS, Peter Hewitt JP FCSI FRSA conveyed his pride:
"This Gold Award reflects our dedicated efforts to create a supportive work environment for those who have served as well as their families. It further echoes the core values upon which our company was founded, namely; support of our serving personnel; support of veterans and their families; respect for our people whilst ensuring that the people who currently serve and have served their nation, have employment beyond their Service. A heartfelt thank you to every member of the UDSS executive team and community who has contributed to this prestigious award.”
Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said:
“I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards. I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.”
A team from UDSS will attend the awards ceremony to be held in London on 26th October 2023.
The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) endorses employers such as UDSS who act as advocates to the Armed Forces Community. Nearly 200 organisations have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community, a record high since the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme launched in 2013. Of the Gold Award winners, 28% are either micro or small sized organisations, while 47% are large organisations with over 500 employees. This not only demonstrates the importance of the Covenant, but the skills and benefits that ex-service personnel can bring businesses.
If your organisation would like to tap into the talent that ex-forces personnel can bring to your organisation touch base with our sister company Universal Recruitment and Interim Solutions. Its team, headed by former Grenadier Guard Guy Denison-Smith, provides executive search and recruitment services across all commercial sectors, specialising in the Cyber, Security and Financial industries.
If you would like to find out more about UDSS’ commitment to the Armed Forces Community as an employer, please contact angela.nicholls@universal-defence.com.
Background on the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
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. To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists, and have supportive HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces. They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) was launched in 2013 by the then Prime Minister David Cameron to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and the full spectrum of Defence personnel. This includes the Reserves, service leavers, cadets, spouses and wounded, injured and sick.
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