5th December 2024

Ministry of Defence gold award for DCHS

Derbyshire Community Health Services has once again been awarded the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) gold award for actively supporting staff and families associated with the Armed Forces.

Photo of Ministry of Defence gold award 2The ERS has levels bronze, silver and gold, which are awarded to organisations that demonstrate how they actively support and advocate for the Armed Forces community. This includes encouraging NHS staff members who choose to serve as reservists, or supporting those who are ex-forces personnel. DCHS first achieved the gold award in 2019.

Armed Forces Network chair (DCHS) Melanie Dyke said: “I am so proud that once again we have received the gold award following our submission to the Ministry of Defence ERS. It’s a lot of work in addition to a busy clinical role, but something I want to ensure we maintain and adhere to.

“This scheme encourages employers to support the armed forces community and inspires others to do the same. Gold award holders – like DCHS – proactively advocate and support Defence, communicating their commitment both internally to employees and externally to the wider community. Gold award holders demonstrate significant support for reservists, enabling them to fulfil their annual training and mobilisation commitments.

“This is a fantastic achievement. Thank you to everyone involved for your continued support.”