The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Yorkshire and the Humber (RFCA YH) has announced that Locala is one of the thirty-two organisations from Yorkshire and the Humber to have been awarded the prestigious ‘Silver’ status as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

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 main objective of the scheme is for employers 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 encourages the overall support of the general armed forces community.

Prior to submitting a nomination for ERS, it is compulsory for the employer to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), an agreement that pledges an employer's intent to support the military community. Locala has been a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) since 2021.

Both AFC and ERS are nationally recognised and Silver ERS Award winners will be celebrated regionally at an awards event in York on 14th September 2023.

Major General Marc Overton, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets) says:

“I would like to thank and congratulate the recipients of this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards. A Silver award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their communities under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefits to the Armed Forces Community. The winners should all be proud of their life-changing impact and fresh opportunities they are providing to our Reservists, veterans and their families. The number of winners this year yet again shows that the Armed Forces family talent pool is also providing tangible business benefits.”

Colonel Jason Wright, Chief Executive RFCA YH says:

“On behalf of Yorkshire and the Humber, the RFCA is thrilled about the exceptional response from regional employers who have applied for the Employer Recognition Scheme. Because of their extraordinary effort and work, a record thirty-two employers from a wide range of industries, size, and sectors have succeeded in securing a Silver Award this year. This is a true testament to their commitment to our Armed Forces Covenant and the positive impact when working with individuals from our Armed Forces community. We look forward to working with these employers and supporting the further development of services that focus on employees and personnel who serve in the forces.”

For more information on the ERS Awards visit: www.rfca-yorkshire.org.uk/employers/employer-recognition-scheme/