South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR) has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence for its commitment to the armed forces community.

SYFR has been named a Silver award-winning organisation under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), delivered locally by the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association for Yorkshire & Humber.

The ERS consists of three award levels – bronze, silver, gold. Each level indicates an organisation’s commitment and involvement to offer support programmes that align with the scheme’s framework.

The main objective of the scheme is for employers to endorse their employees who are military personnel (current, former and associated) and enable development opportunities that support their current or past duty to the forces with their civilian employment. The scheme also encourages overall support of the general armed forces community.

Silver ERS Award winners will be celebrated regionally at an awards event in York in September.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Group Manager Mike Anthony, said: “At South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue we recognise the invaluable contribution members of the Armed Forces Community make. As a service we want to promote the fact we are a Armed Forces friendly organisation and being awarded the Silver award further celebrates all of the positive action we are taking in support of the Armed Forces community.”

Major General Marc Overton, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets) says: “I would like to thank and congratulate the recipients of this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards. A Silver award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their communities under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefits to the Armed Forces Community. The winners should all be proud of their life-changing impact and fresh opportunities they are providing to our Reservists, veterans and their families. The number of winners this year yet again shows that the Armed Forces family talent pool is also providing tangible business benefits.”

ENDS