A West Midlands training company is celebrating after being awarded Silver status in the Ministry Of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.
It comes as Birmingham-based Training Personified, which has a team of 17 highly dedicated and skilful employees also marks its decade in business – having trained thousands of people across the region in vital skills including in how to return to the workplace.
The ERS consists of three award levels – bronze, silver, gold. Each level indicates an organisation’s commitment and involvement to offer support programmes that align with the scheme’s framework.
The scheme aims to encourage employers’ efforts to endorse their employees who are military personnel (current, former, and associated) and enable development opportunities that support their current or past duty to the forces with their civilian employment. The scheme also boosts overall support of the general armed forces community.
Training Personified’s founder and MD, Zoe Bennett BEM, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the prestigious ‘Silver’ status as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
“For many years we have been working closely with the Armed Forces through various initiatives. We are proud to have joined this elite selection of organisations that also recognise the excellent work that the Armed Forces do for our nation.”
A key part of our journey has been the support we provide to veterans, helping them transition into new opportunities where their skills and experiences are truly valued. Through tailored training we have been able to equip veterans with the tools they need to thrive beyond their service. Many have gone on to build successful careers and contribute to their communities in new ways, while also bringing their strength, discipline and teamwork to enrich those around them. This award is a recognition of that impact and the lasting difference these initiatives have made in veterans’ lives.
We are incredibly proud to be celebrating our 10 year anniversary this year, and what makes it even more special is knowing that in that time we have supported 7,628 participants. Every single one of those people represents a story, a journey, and a life positively changed through empowerment and upskilling. To reach this milestone and to be able to look back at the impact we have had fills us with immense pride and gratitude.
Talking about the winners’ achievements, Darren Knight, Defence Relationship Manager for WM RFCA, added: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are honoured and delighted to be able to recognise the outstanding support and commitment to the Armed Forces, by businesses and organisations across the West Midlands, through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
“Each recipient has demonstrated not only their support to the Armed Forces Covenant and the wider Armed Forces community, but also that they are prepared to support their Reservists, Service leavers, Forces’ family members, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets in the workplace.”
The awards were presented on behalf of Defence by Lieutenant Colonel Keith Spiers, Head of Engagement for the Army Headquarters Centre. Guests were joined by representatives from the local Royal Naval Reserve, Army Reserve and Royal Auxiliary Air Force, with a short Act of Remembrance wrapping up the event at the Armed Forces Memorial.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme please visit www.wmrfca.org/employers or contact our employer engagement team on wm-ee@rfca.mod.uk
