Veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress has been recognised by the government for its support to the defence and armed forces community with the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme is for organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
To qualify for the gold award, holders must meet strict criteria. This includes signing the Armed Forces Covenant; proactively demonstrating an organisation’s forces-friendly credentials as part of its recruitment and selection processes; and providing at least 10 days’ additional leave for training, fully paid, to Reservist employees.
In addition to meeting the above criteria, Combat Stress’ advocacy and support of the armed forces community includes hosting the annual Military Mind Symposium; attending numerous health fairs and armed forces community-based events; providing online self-help and organisational resources; and delivering educational work with veteran-centric organisations. The charity has also introduced guaranteed interviews for veterans and their families providing they met minimum job requirements.
Jeff Harrison, CEO of Combat Stress, said:
“We are delighted to have received the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. This demonstrates to potential employees, serving personnel and veterans the strength of our commitment and support for the armed forces community. We strive to be an organisation that reservists, veterans, and their families want to work at. Every day our fantastic staff go above and beyond to deliver outstanding support to their colleagues, and we are delighted this has been recognised.”
