Helping hand for forces-friendly employers – Employer Recognition Scheme Workshops 2021

Last week GL RFCA’s Employer Engagement team hosted a series of online workshops to support and guide businesses and organisations aiming for awards under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

The two workshops were designed to help employers to move to the next level of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - with Silver Award winners supported to reach Gold standard, and Bronze to reach Silver standard. With only one chance each year to achieve these prestigious awards, our Regional Employer Engagement Directors (REEDs) are on hand to support and guide you every step of the way.

The Gold workshop was attended by over 20 London based employers and there will be a record number of companies going for Gold in 2021. Guest speakers included employees from Moody’s Corporation and Turner & Townsend, invited to give industry insight into how forces-friendly employers can advocate their support to Defence people.

GL RFCA’s Silver workshop saw close to 30 companies register and attend. There were 38 regional Silver awards awarded last year,  with a similar number expected for 2021. Guest speakers included Combat Pest Control, Standard Chartered Bank, and Herbert Smith Freehills.

‘It is humbling to see the continued high-level of support to defence and the interest in the ERS awards this year has already been outstanding”, said Drew Jeacock, GLRFCA’s head of engagement.

”It is clear that companies recognise that supporting the armed forces community is something to take pride in. The purpose of the workshops was to give employers the insight and support they need to progress to the next level of the ERS scheme. This recognises forces-friendly employers and the attendance at both workshops only confirms that London’s employers take pride in supporting the military family.’

• Gold ERS expressions of interests (EOI) must be registered on the Defence Relationship (DRM) Management web site  at: https://surveys.mod.uk/index.php/524836?lang=en by 2359 hrs on 17 March 2021
• Once DRM receive your EOI, your account manager will then send you the 2021 nomination form.
• For Silver ERS, your nomination must be submitted by 2359hrs on 31 March 2021 to employerrelations@rfca.mod.uk  This also include Gold renewals
• Nominations sent after this deadline will not be considered.

• Silver ERS expressions of interests (EOI) must be registered on the Defence Relationship (DRM) Management web site at:https://surveys.mod.uk/index.php/792231?lang=enby 2359 hrs on 16 April 2021
• Once DRM receive your EOI, your account manager will then send you the 2021 nomination form.
• For Silver ERS, your nomination must be submitted by 2359hrs on 30 April 2021 to employerrelations@rfca.mod.uk  This also include Silver renewals
• Nominations sent after this deadline will not be considered.