KFM receive Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
KFM received a Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, it was announced today.
Nearly 200 organisations have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community, a record high since the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme launched in 2013.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest badge of honour, recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting the Armed Forces community.
Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said: “I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards. I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.”
This year, organisations across a range of sectors including transportation, education, finance, and healthcare have been recognised in the awards. Of the Gold Award winners, 28% are either micro or small sized organisations, while 47% are large organisations with over 500 employees. This not only demonstrates the importance of the Covenant, but the skills and benefits that ex-service personnel can bring businesses.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, delivered by Defence Relationship Management has a current total of 641 holders. Organisations must reapply every five years to retain their Gold Award status.
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.
Robin Marsden-Knight, Director of HR and Business Services at KFM said: “We are delighted to be recognised with this prestigious award for the work we have undertaken supporting not only ex-service personnel in making the transition into civilian employment, but also reservists in continuing to pursue a career in the Armed Forces alongside their career at KFM.
We know and have seen that the expertise and skills that Defence People have developed throughout and during their military service, are ideal for a number of roles within KFM and we are proud to count them amongst our employees.”
An awards ceremony will be held later this year in London, where representatives of KFM will be presented with their award.
KFM honoured at Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award Ceremony 2023
On Thursday 26 October, a special event took place at the Royal Air Force Club in London, to recognise and celebrate employers across Greater London, for their unwavering dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Among these honourees were our KFM representatives, Gavin Jones, Head of Logistics and Armed Forces Champion, and Robin Marsden-Knight, Director of HR & Business Services, who stood alongside 17 other organisations, each acknowledged for their outstanding contributions.
The Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Awards, welcomed notable guests and award presenters; Sir Ken Olisa, the Lord-Lieutenant for Greater London, as well as representatives from the tri-service; Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro, Captain Hill RN, and Colonel Thammy Evans.
We are honoured to be among the distinguished organisations recognised for our commitment in ensuring that service leavers, veterans, service personnel and their families, are treated fairly and given equal advantages in the workplace.
Looking ahead, we will continue to actively engage in initiatives that create a positive change, and further enhance the support and opportunities available to the Armed Forces community.
Notes to editors:
About The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS)
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) was launched in 2013 by the then Prime Minister David Cameron to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and the full spectrum of Defence personnel. This includes the Reserves, service leavers, cadets, spouses and wounded, injured and sick.
The full list of Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners is available here.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. More information about the Armed Forces Covenant and how to get involved is available here.
Defence Relationship Management (DRM) partners with organisations throughout the UK, helping them understand the value of signing the Armed Forces Covenant and building mutually beneficial partnerships with Defence. It provides support on employing Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and military spouses and improving fairness for the Armed Forces community in the consumer market.
About KFM
KFM are a provider of healthcare support services, partnering with healthcare organisations enabling them to deliver world class patient care. KFM is owned by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust making KFM a public authority, with all profits and cost savings reinvested in the NHS.
KFM’s end-to-end managed services cover all areas and specialties including procuring and supplying all clinical supplies, medical equipment plus maintenance, training and technical support and outpatient pharmacy dispensing services.
KFM has an annual turnover of around £180 million and over 340 staff.
Find out more about how we support the Armed Forces, here: Armed Forces Support — KFM (kings-fm.co.uk)