Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service awarded gold for armed forces support

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has received a major national award recognising the outstanding support for the armed forces community in the city-region.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme award winners have been announced today (Monday 11 July) and GMFRS scooped the top Gold Award.

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. 

GMFRS’ Gold Award recognises its role in supporting a large number of veterans and reservists working at the Service as well as its support for the armed forces community in the city-region.

The Service recently launched its Armed Forces Network, an internal staff support network for all colleagues currently serving as a reservist, military veterans, and forces family members.

Dave Russel, Chief Fire Officer said: “I’m incredibly proud that we have been awarded the Gold Award, which recognises our ongoing work to ensure the Service is a forces friendly employer.

“GMFRS has a large armed forces family, and we remain committed to supporting veterans, reservists and their loved ones. We will continue to build on this achievement, working with the GMCA and partners across Greater Manchester, and with other fire and rescue services, to make sure we are making a difference for those who have given so much for this country.”

GMFRS is part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Gold Award builds on the work being done across GMCA to support the armed forces community.

GMCA has been facilitating the delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant across public, third and private sectors in Greater Manchester, as well as working to create a partnership focussed, mutually supportive network of organisations that are determined to do more for the armed forces community in our city-region.

Article Published: 11/07/2022 15:03 PM