Devon firm recognised for support to Armed Forces
Devon accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards has once again been recognised for its outstanding support to the Armed Forces Community.
The firm has been presented with a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award in recognition of its support to its Reservist employees, in particular partner Jean-Paul Quertier, currently second in command with 6th Battalion the Rifles.
Last year the firm signed the Armed Forces Covenant and was presented with Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award. To qualify for the silver award, Simpkins Edwards has put into practice the pledges made in the Armed Forces Covenant. The firm promised that it would take a positive stance to current and future employees who are members of the Armed Forces.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support Defence and inspire others to do the same. The 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.
“This silver award is fantastic recognition of our commitment to support the defence community,” said Lynn Woodward of Simpkins Edwards. “Jean-Paul’s important Reservist work is something that we as a firm are proud of and pleased to help facilitate, so we’re delighted that our proactive approach to supporting him has been recognised.”
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme was launched by the Prime Minister in July 2014 and 43 employers based in the South West have so far been presented with a Silver Award.
To be presented with the silver award, organisations need to be able to demonstrate they do the following;
• Demonstrate support for service personnel issues and employ at least one member of the Armed Forces community
• Actively communicate and uphold a positive stance to their employees via established HR policies and procedures
• Show flexibility towards annual training commitments and mobilisation of Reservist employees and support the employment of cadet instructors, armed forces veterans (including wounded, injured and sick) and military spouses/partners
• Sign the Armed Forces Covenant
To find out more about how your organisation could benefit from pledging their support to the Armed Forces community, please contact the Regional Employer Engagement Director, Jon Beake on 01823 250110 or wx-empsp@rfca.mod.uk
