Standard Chartered presented employer gold award for support to Armed Forces community
on July 18, 202218 July 2021, London, UK – Standard Chartered Bank has been presented with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme(ERS) Gold award by the UK Ministry of Defence, in recognition of the support we provide to serving reservists, veterans and their families.
The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire other organisations to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. The Bank was awarded Gold following signing the Covenant in November 2020, then receiving ERS Bronze, and ERS Silver in July last year.
Standard Chartered achieved the award because of its proactive approach to making sure Service personnel and the Armed Forces community are supported and not unfairly disadvantaged, including:
- Offering 10 days paid leave per year, under the Special Leave Policy, for reservist employees to carry out their annual training.
- Establishing in 2018 an Armed Forces internal network called the UK Military Group, which helps employees who are reservists, veterans and spouses / partners. Equivalent support groups have also been launched in the US, Singapore and India for employees.
- Providing flexibility for spouses to take time off during times of a partner’s deployment, injury or during bereavement.
- Raising awareness by hosting events and welcoming special guests to speak to employees, such as war historians and former British Army officers, and marking significant dates like Remembrance Sunday and Armed Forces Reserves Day.
Andy MacLean, Global Head of Organisation and People Capability, and Sponsor of the Bank’s UK Military Group, Standard Chartered Bank, says: “We are very proud to receive the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold award from the UK Ministry of Defence. Support for our military community at Standard Chartered Bank continues to grow. It extends to the very top of the organisation, with our second annual Remembrance Service being attended by our Chairman, Group CEO, and all UK-based members of our Board and Group Management Team.”
Minister for Defence People Leo Docherty said: “Regardless of size, location or sector, employing members of the Armed Forces community is good for businesses. These awards recognise the outstanding support for our Armed Forces from employers across the UK and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.”
Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture is embedded in Standard Chartered’s values. This March, the Bank was highly commended for its Supplier Diversity Programme at the British Diversity Awards 2022.
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For further information please contact:
Claire Newell
Senior Communications Manager, Europe
Standard Chartered Bank
Tel: +44 (0)207 885 8857
Email: Claire.newell@sc.com
Standard Chartered
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