IED Training, part of Rizon group, was awarded the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Employer Recognition Scheme’s (ERS) prestigious Gold award, demonstrating that the MOD holds IED in the highest regard for supporting veterans and their families.
What is the Defence ERS Gold Award?
This Defence ERS Gold Award is the highest level of the MOD’s Employer Recognition Scheme. This scheme acknowledges organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC). The AFC is a national promise that those who have served in the armed forces will be recognised for the sacrifices they have made and be treated fairly in all aspects of their public lives – including in healthcare, housing and employment.
Why were IED granted the Gold award?
Founded and run by former Royal Marines, IED is proud of its roots and cements its commitment to supporting the armed forces through positive employment policies and support for their veteran peers.
Organisations must meet a number of criteria to receive the Gold award, each of which highlights their role as an armed-forces friendly employer. IED are engaged with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) – the official resettlement service for the Armed Forces, which provides personal support for those transitioning from a military career into civilian employment, further education or retirement.
IED helps to promote lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces through the MOD’s Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme. This initiative provides credits that service leavers can use to help pay for higher-level training such as diplomas, degrees or vocational training. By offering courses such as IOSH and NEBOSH health and safety courses through the scheme, IED helps to upskill veterans and prepare them for further training or employment.
There are a number of other benchmarks that IED had to meet to be recognised as Gold standard, including demonstrating exemplary support for the Cadet movement, registration with the Forces Families Jobs portal, and enforcing supportive HR policies for those in the armed forces and their families.
What does this mean for my training?
Achieving this recognition doesn’t just benefit those in the armed forces, it demonstrates IED’s passion and commitment to delivering top-quality training in all aspects. Moreover, achieving this award has helped IED to build links with like-minded partners who have also gained recognition through the Defence ERS. By sharing values with organisations like National Express and the Royal Marines Charity, IED can expand its expertise while working with purpose, clarity and to the highest of standards.
