Avove’s steadfast support of the Armed Forces is recognised with a prestigious Gold ERS Award
We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community, now and in the future. It’s this unwavering commitment that helped us achieve the Defence Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award in 2023, which we are pleased to announce, has now been upgraded to a Gold Award – the highest level granted by the Ministry of Defence.
Reinforcing our position as an Armed Forces-friendly employer
The accreditation is a testament to our ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and our role as a champion for inclusive workplace practices.
To achieve the Gold Award, organisations must demonstrate exemplary support for defence personnel, veterans and reservists. This includes signing the Armed Forces Covenant and proactively implementing impactful policies that champion military service and promote positive working environments.
Gold Award holders actively support and promote the Armed Forces, publicising the pledges made in the Covenant and supporting partner organisations, suppliers and customers at every turn. To strengthen this commitment, we have proactively engaged the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and Forces Families since receiving the Silver Award and will continue to do so as Gold Award holders.
With this achievement, we join a list of other high-profile organisations to have received the Gold Award – a significant achievement that reinforces our position as an Armed Forces-friendly employer, whilst building momentum throughout the company.
Helping colleagues feel valued, empowered and supported
Speaking about the achievement, Emma Johnson, People Partner at Avove, commented:
“As a company, we are committed to supporting the Armed Forces, and we currently employ over 20 former service members across a wide range of roles, from Account Directors and HSEQ leads to Project Managers and Arborists. Supporting the Armed Forces doesn’t just strengthen our national commitment, it enhances our business too. Through this recognition, we benefit from a more inclusive workplace culture that values service and increases employee morale and retention, thanks to value-driven practices.
“Winning the Gold (ERS) Award is a proud milestone for Avove, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. This award inspires us to go further in creating a workplace where those connected to the Armed Forces feel valued, empowered, and supported every step of the way.”
David Holmes, General Counsel and Executive Sponsor for the Armed Forces at Avove, added:
“We are proud to pledge our support to our Armed Forces community and are delighted that are our work within the utility sector has been recognised with this Gold Award.
“This Award demonstrates that Armed Forces community engagement is a business priority. We know this community brings a rich source of talent from across the industry and I have seen first-hand the contributions our military colleagues and their families bring to the business.”
Dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities
As a company, we demonstrate our support of the Armed Forces through a variety of initiatives and policies. One of our standout initiatives is the Trainee Arborist Programme, which has been particularly successful for ex-Forces colleagues, providing strong foundations and clear pathways for career progression. This success reflects a broader dedication to creating inclusive opportunities and recognising the unique strengths that ex-Forces bring to the workforce.