Good as gold
On behalf of Royal Mail, HR director, Sally Ashford has been presented with the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour – the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award.
The award was presented by General Sir Nicholas Carter, Chief of Defence Staff at a ceremony at the National Army Museum in London.
Royal Mail was awarded the highly coveted award – which represents the highest badge of honour available to businesses that employ and support those who serve, veterans, and their families – in August for our support for the Armed Forces community.
We are one of 100 companies to have been recognised for our long-term commitment to the Armed Forces. The ERS Scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Employers are recognised for initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the armed forces into a new career and providing flexibility for reservists. Included are 23 local authorities, 13 NHS hospitals and Trusts and 29 SMEs.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were director of procurement, Rob Cooksley, RAF reservist and Calderway MPU manager, Corporal Richard Matthews and investment development manager and head of personnel for Army Reserves, Brigadier Stephen Rayson from Army HQ.
Military reservists
Royal Mail actively supports colleagues who are reservists for the UK Armed Forces.
We have around 220 military reservists – one of the largest groups in the country – who combine working for us with protecting their country at home and overseas.
Our association with reservists stretches back into our 500-year history. We continue to do as much as we can to uphold this proud tradition of supporting armed forces personnel and their families, as well as those who have left the services.
Information on the rights and responsibilities for employers and reservists can be obtained here.
Pictured from left to right: Brigadier Stephen Rayson, Corporal Richard Matthews, HR director, Sally Ashford and director of procurement, Rob Cooksley.
