MSPS has received the Silver award accreditation for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS) is delighted to have received the Silver award accreditation from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The ERS recognises commitment and support from UK employers for defence personnel. The scheme comprises of Bronze, Silver or Gold award accreditation, and it’s for employers who support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, their families and communities, while aligning their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Award entries go through a rigorous validation process before it’s considered by a selection board. The selection board panel is chaired by a senior military officer, and the board consider each award nomination against the set entry criteria.
In order to be accredited with the Silver award we had to evidence our commitment and support to the Armed Forces. For example, in our recruitment process we are dedicated to being diverse, inclusive and supportive to veterans and military spouses / partners. This is achieved by engaging and advertising our roles and training programmes on the Career Transition Partnership and Force Families Job websites, as well as attending careers fairs specifically targeted to service leavers, and veterans. Our recruitment policy also reflects our enthusiasm to actively recruit veterans and military spouses / partners, as we offer a guaranteed interview to those that meet the minimum criteria and who has identified themselves as such on their application. If they are a successful applicant, we also have an internal mentorship programme to assist with their transition in joining us.
We understand the challenges that forces families may face when finding employment, especially after a new posting, and sometimes their employment history might be a little disjointed. So as part of our CSR programme we offer CV support and work experience opportunities to help bridge these gaps. Across our contracts we offer a programme of short training courses to gain accredited qualifications, in sector areas of customer service and hospitality. These short courses not only give a qualification that is transferable to numerous different sectors, but when linked with our employability support it can really help spouses and partners into employment. Also, as part of our holistic programme of employability support our CSR team offers local knowledge, where possible, on accessing community support network services for example childcare etc.
Finally, as part of our employee benefits, we are incredibly supportive all volunteering opportunities and as such we offer five days of paid volunteering per year to Cadet Force Volunteer employees. For Reservists they have two weeks additional paid leave per year to attend annual training camps or other authenticated activities.
Dan Millea, Assistant Accountant at MSPS, said “As a Reservist, I appreciate the flexibility that MSPS offers. Management are very keen to be as supportive as they can in terms of flexible working arrangements. The 10 days annual leave is of particular benefit, as it lets me save my holiday days for my family time – which is very important, but also allows me to balance my home life, work and reserve service”.
Alan Hayward, Managing Director at MSPS, said “It’s fantastic to be recognised and accredited with our Silver award and we are delighted to have built on our Bronze accreditation from last year. I take great pride knowing MSPS has implemented such schemes and is really trying to make a difference to all those who have served in the Armed Forces, their families and the communities. Also, its great we are creating opportunities and support for people like Dan to fulfil his important role as a Reservist, as he recently returned to his 4th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment in order to help with the government’s efforts to increase COVID-19 testing across the north”.
