Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has achieved the prestigious Gold Award as part of the Armed Forces Covenant from the Ministry of Defence.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award is the Ministry of Defence’s highest recognition for employers that demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
The Service currently employs a considerable number of veterans, reservists and cadet force adult volunteers and has implemented a range of policies to support them in the workplace. These include providing up to 15 days of additional paid leave each year to enable reservists to undertake their mandatory training commitments.
Jordan Kerman, Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing, who previously served in the Armed Forces before joining the Service, said:
“Veterans and reservists make a valuable contribution right across our organisation, with members of the Armed Forces community working in many of our fire stations and departments.
“Supporting them is not something we do for recognition. It is about recognising the dedication, commitment and sacrifice shown by those who serve, or have served, our country.
“We are incredibly proud of our reservists, veterans, cadet force volunteers and military families, and of the role they play within Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, supporting the communities we serve.
“Achieving Gold reflects the work we have done to make sure members of the Armed Forces community are supported, valued and treated fairly. It also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to being an Armed Forces-friendly organisation and to championing the skills and experience they bring to our organisation.”
