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Isle of Man Government honoured by UK Minister of Defence for outstanding support for the Armed Forces

Friday, 16 July 2021

140 organisations, including the Isle of Man Government, have received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for their outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community, UK Defence Minister Leo Docherty announced today.

Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.

This year’s awardees brings the total number of Gold holders to 493.

To win an award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

The Hon. Howard Quayle MHK, Chief Minister, said:

'On behalf of the Isle of Man Government, I would like to extend my thanks to the Ministry of Defence for their recognition of our organisation’s commitment to supporting our Armed Forces community. We are thrilled that our dedication to these valued members of society, through policy, financial support and events, has been honoured with such a prestigious award. We will continue to uphold our key values, and aim to continuously develop our policies to maintain an excellent level of support.'

The Hon. Juan Watterson, Speaker of the House of Key, said:

'The Gold Award is the pinnacle of recognition as an advocate for the employment of reservists and support for the Armed Forces. Since becoming the Island's first Armed Forces Champion in 2013, Gold has always been the target and I'm delighted that we have achieved that.

'Many thanks must go to the officers and volunteers around Government who continue to support this initiative and make us a Forces Friendly organisation.

'I hope that it will prove to be a further attraction to talented reservists and service leavers who may be contemplating moving to the Island. This is not the end of the journey, but an ongoing commitment to support our servicemen, regular and reservist, veterans, cadets, and those that support them.'

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