Academy Transformation Trust (ATT) has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence for their support to the Armed Forces from across the West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association’s (West Midland RFCA) region. ATT met all the criteria for the silver status which includes a number of positive measures and policies that we have in place advocating our support to members of the Armed Forces community within our family of academies. This offer also includes and extends to veterans, reservists, Cadet Force adult volunteers and their families.
The silver status requires all employers to ensure:
- That members of the forces community are not disadvantaged in their recruitment and selection process
- That all positive policies relating to Defence personnel are internally publicised
- That they employ at least one individual from the Armed Forces category that their nomination emphasises
- If required, that they have demonstrated support to Reservist mobilisations
- That they align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant
The ERS scheme bestows Bronze, Silver and Gold accreditation to employers supporting the wider armed forces community, their families and communities who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, while aligning their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. All entries are subject to a rigorous validation process by a selection board made up of senior military personnel.
We are honoured that our family of 22 academies have all also committed pledges to advocate their support to the Armed Forces community, and to the principles of the Covenant, with each individual academy being recognised as Silver ERS holders too. Our vision is to ensure that all children and young people, regardless of their background, fulfil their educational potential and maximise their life chances. As a charitable organisation, we epitomise working inclusively within our communities, embracing the varied localities we serve, and are committed to honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and supporting our Armed Forces community.
Commenting on the announcement of the awards, Debbie Clinton, Chief Executive Officer said:
“As I write, our country has just commemorated the important ending of the Second World War in South East Asia – VJ Day. In the context of the difficult and complex story of the war in South East Asia, our trust commitment to our Armed Services seems more pertinent than ever. To have now gained the Silver ERS award is a source of immense pride for us. It is a powerful symbol of our support and deep regard for our Armed Services – all those currently serving and all those formerly serving. We are honoured to be part of the growing ERS group of employers. Next stop, Gold!”
West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association’s would like to congratulate all of their region’s winners for achieving their Silver Awards as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The organisations are spread across all of the regions counties and come from a wide range of sectors including: education providers, NHS Trusts, charities, local authorities, security firms and the leisure industry.
Bobby Birdi, Regional Employer Engagement Director at West Midland RFCA, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that these employers in our region have been recognised by the Ministry of Defence for the support they provide to the Armed Forces community. “From working with Careers Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs in recruiting veterans and military spouses, to the respect they show their existing staff members who are Reserves or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, every employer here has demonstrated the value they place on the forces community and military experience. They are working examples of the fact that partnering with Defence is good for business.”
Commenting on the announcement of the ERS 2020 awards, Johnny Mercer, Minister for Defence People and Veterans said:
“The breadth and diversity of the winners this year shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to grow no matter the sector, company size or location. I am grateful for the positive attitude and flexible policies these organisations have adopted towards the defence community, which is testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation. I am delighted that so many companies are supporting our people and that, through this scheme, we can give them the public recognition they deserve.”
The ERS was launched to recognise and reward employers who support Defence and inspire others to do the same.
