Auctus Management Group and its subsidiary businesses, RSS Infrastructure and INFRA Skills are honoured to announce they have been awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. From 22nd August 2019, Auctus Management Group along with 100 employers were recognised by Defence Minister Ben Wallace for their outstanding support for the Armed Forces community by being awarded an Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. They will be presented with their awards on 12th November 2019 at the National Army Museum in London.
The company completed a stringent submission process that supplied evidence of how they support and work alongside the Armed Forces, Auctus Management Group and its subsidiary businesses employ numerous Reservists, Cadet Force Volunteers and Veterans that play an integral role in their respected companies. As avid supporters of The Royal British Legion charity, a small team of 5 employees, featuring 2 veterans, are participating in this year’s Pedal To Paris event, a 460km cycling challenge from London to Paris that spans over 4 days in September. The company will take on the challenge for a second year and look to raise more than £10,000 in sponsorship, beating the previous year’s £9,000 achievement.
At the start of the year RSS Infrastructure became an official Gold Sponsor of the Force Atlantic rowing team, who will face the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, otherwise known as the ‘world’s toughest row’. The Force Atlantic team are the first official British Army team to enter the event and with the help of RSS Infrastructure, they have secured essential funding for equipment and utilities before and during the race, as well as the opportunity to acquire more sponsorship through their clients and suppliers.
INFRA Skills also attends a variety of Armed Forces Covenant Briefings, Open Days, Reservist and Army Recruitment events. These events have seen ex-military personnel begin the ‘Journey Into Rail’ programme which provides them with the fundamental skills and qualifications needed to begin their career. By taking part in the Covenant Seminars, the company has facilitated a partnership between Major Gary Middleton, Major Samantha Brettell and Lt Col Paul Walkley and HS2 contractors to build links for careers into reserves.
To ensure that Reservists are fully integrated into the organisational culture and acknowledged for their military work, the company supports Reserves and Remembrance Day and allows staff to wear their military uniform to work and hosts an activity day in partnership with Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) cadets. Employees and cadets to take part in a series of challenges designed to test both their strength and mental agility. As part of Remembrance Day, company representatives support the AUEA cadets in their service.
The MOD’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards represent the highest badge of honour available to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans, and their families. The scheme continues to grow year on year with awardees doubling in the last 12 months taking the total to 228. Newly awarded Gold employers have won awards for initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the armed forces into a new career and providing flexibility for Reservists. Included are 23 Local Authorities, 13 NHS Hospitals and Trusts and 29 SMEs.
The 100 winners have been recognised for their long-term commitment to the Armed Forces, with companies from the public and private sector achieving the top grade. Each has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and where possible, engages with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to promote the recruitment of service leavers, as well as honouring individual pledges of support.
Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said:
“These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one. Regardless of size, location or sector, employing ex-forces personnel is good for business and this year we have doubled the number of awards in recognition of the fantastic support they give.”
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said:
“Veterans make a huge contribution to businesses across the country and it’s fantastic to see a record breaking number of organisations recognised for their support. We’re working closely with businesses to help them further understand the huge value that veterans, reservists and military spouses can bring to their organisation.”
For a full list of Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners: www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme
