The award is given to both a number of companies and public services that are able to show their outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community. KFRS has been awarded a bronze and silver award in the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERG) in previous years, but this is the first time the service has been awarded the gold recognition.
To win an award, organizations must demonstrate that they provide additional paid leave for reservists and have other supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, spouses and partners of those serving in the armed forces.
Armed forces community
They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the armed forces community by encouraging others to sign the ‘Armed Forces Covenant’ – which is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, will be treated fairly. KFRS joins 126 other companies and employers this year who have also been awarded 'Gold' for supporting the armed forces community.
Ann Millington, Chief Executive of KFRS says: “Here at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, we are committed to supporting all of our staff members in every way we can – and those who work in the armed forces are no exception to this. They work so hard in order to serve our country, and the service supports and respects all those who are in the armed forces community, from currently serving troops and Service families, to veterans and cadets.”
Armed service members
Here at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, we are committed to supporting all of our staff members"
“To receive the Employers Recognition Gold Award is wonderful, and we would like to thank the Ministry of Defence for this official recognition of our support for all armed service members. As a service, I hope that we can also continue to share our knowledge and the benefits of employing those from the armed forces community, to other companies throughout the UK.”
KFRS has a number of staff who are either currently serving, or who have previously served in the armed forces. Matt Baker, who is one of the service’s Emergency Life Support Instructors, is also a Squadron Sergeant Major. He’s served as a combat medic and in pre-hospital trauma for just over three decades now, and helps keep troops safe on the frontline.
Delivering pre-Hospital medicine
“KFRS has been really supportive of my role in the armed forces over the years,” says Matt.
“As a medical technician and reservist, I’ve been called up to the army numerous times to deliver pre-hospital medicine and carry out work both on the frontline and behind the scenes. The service has been really helpful whenever I’ve needed to be deployed at short notice, or whenever I’ve had to attend training. There’s a great balance, and both of my roles have always worked brilliantly hand-in-hand.”
