Publish date: 12 July 2023
Mersey Care is delighted to have been awarded Gold in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), representing the highest badge of honour, awarded to those that employ and support people who serve in the armed forces, veterans and their families. To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists, and have supportive HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the armed forces. They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the armed forces community by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Organisations must reapply every five years to retain their Gold Award status. To find out more about the ERS and Armed Forces Covenant, see: North West Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (nwrfca.org.uk).
Elaine Darbyshire, Executive Director of Communications, Inclusion and Estates and Trust lead for armed forces said: “We’re delighted to have received this award that recognises us as a supportive, forces friendly employer. It is a huge honour and reflects the hard work and dedication of an inspirational team of people at Mersey Care who champion and support veterans across the Trust. We welcome applications from the ex-armed forces community and serving reservists as we recognise the many transferrable skills, training and experience that they richly bring to the Trust.”