2iC Awarded Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – Bronze

2iC Awarded Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – Bronze Award

At 2iC, we are proud to announce that we have been honoured with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award. This accolade underscores our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and aligns with our core values of dedication, integrity and service.​

Understanding the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

The ERS is a prestigious initiative by the Ministry of Defence that acknowledges employers who pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support for defence and the Armed Forces community. The scheme operates on three tiers—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each reflecting the depth of an organisation’s commitment.​

Achieving the Bronze Award signifies that 2iC has:​

• Signed the Armed Forces Covenant, affirming our support for the Armed Forces community
• Pledged to be an armed forces-friendly organisation, open to employing reservists, veterans (including the wounded, injured, and sick), cadet instructors, and military spouses/partners
• Committed to promoting our support for the Armed Forces, ensuring that our values align with the Covenant’s principles.​

More details about the ERS can be found on the official GOV.UK page., and 2iC will be added in the next update.

Our Commitment to the Armed Forces Community

At 2iC, we recognise the invaluable skills, experiences and qualities that members of the Armed Forces community bring to the workplace. Their leadership, resilience and adaptability are assets that enrich our organisation. These capabilities are just some of the reasons behind why five members of our core staff are veterans.

In line with our Bronze Award commitments, we have implemented the following initiatives:

• Recruitment Practices: We actively encourage applications from reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military family members. Our recruitment processes are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that no member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantage.
• Supportive Workplace Policies: We have developed policies that accommodate the unique circumstances of reservists and military families, such as flexible working arrangements and additional leave for training or deployment
• Awareness and Training: We conduct regular training sessions to educate our staff about the challenges faced by the Armed Forces community, fostering a supportive and understanding workplace culture.​

 Looking Ahead: Our Journey Towards Silver and Gold

While we celebrate this achievement, our commitment does not end here. We aim to build upon this foundation by:​

• Enhancing Support: Continuously improving our policies to better support the Armed Forces community within our organisation
• Advocacy: Encouraging other businesses to recognise the value of supporting defence personnel and to participate in the ERS
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with local military units, charities, and support organisations to provide opportunities and support for service members and their families.​

Our ultimate goal is to achieve the Silver and Gold Awards, reflecting a deeper and sustained commitment to the Armed Forces community. These higher-level awards require demonstrable support, such as granting additional leave for reservist training and actively promoting the benefits of employing Armed Forces personnel.​

Milestone

Receiving the ERS Bronze Award is a significant milestone for 2iC. It not only acknowledges our current efforts but also motivates us to further our support for the Armed Forces community. We believe that by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we can harness diverse talents and contribute positively to both our organisation and society.​

We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Defence for this recognition and to all members of the Armed Forces community for their service and dedication. We look forward to strengthening our commitment in the years to come.​

For more information about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and how your organisation can get involved, visit the official ERS page.