Esh Group is delighted to announce it has been awarded the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Covenant in recognition of its commitment to support the defence and the armed forces community.
The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Esh will join a prestigious list of just 46 businesses across the North East to have been awarded the ERS gold covenant, with a further seven organisations receiving the status this year.
Since 2021, Esh Group has held the ERS silver award and recently launched the ‘Soldiers to Sites – Careers in Construction’ initiative with Career Transition Partnership (CTP), where work experience and employment is offered to Armed Forces Employment Pathway Candidates.
The company is also a member of Forces Family Jobs, who offer training, employment, and volunteer roles for family members of currently serving UK military personnel.
Employees, who consist of a team of veterans who proactively support local veteran charities through volunteering time and fundraising efforts, can also benefit from a range of policies including 10-days paid additional leave for reservists to attend training, as well as further flexibility for cadets and military spouses.
Chris Watson, HR Director at Esh Group, said: “Ever since we achieved our silver status, our goal has been to continue to strive towards setting an example within our industry and become one of the select few to achieve gold status.
“We are filled with immense pride to be recognised for such a significant award and are dedicated to continue to implement specialist employee policies and support towards appropriate charities and organisations who work with service personnel.”
Throughout Yorkshire and the Humber, where Esh continues to strengthen its presence with a £90 million affordable housing pipeline, a further 24 businesses currently hold gold ERS status with three businesses recognised this year.
Last year, Launchpad, a national veterans’ charity that provides vital accommodation and support for up to 100 veterans across the North of England, benefitted from improved green open space and the creation of a sensory garden for residents at Hollyacre House in County Durham after receiving funding from Esh Group.
David Shaw, CEO and Co-founder of Launchpad, said: “Congratulations to Esh on achieving the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold award for their recognition and commitment to support the Armed Forces community. We have established a successful partnership with Esh who has supported our veteran residents and staff over the last couple of years, particularly in our two North East houses. We are very grateful for their continued support.”
Esh will also be the main event sponsor of Launchpad’s ‘Combatting Veterans’ Homelessness’ dinner, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the charity, taking place 27th October.
We are filled with immense pride to be recognised for such a significant award and are dedicated to continue to implement specialist employee policies and support towards appropriate charities and organisations who work with service personnel.”
