Oxley & Forsberg Celebrate Silver Recognition for Forces Friendly Approach
Oxley and Forsberg are delighted to have received Silver Awards through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in acknowledgment of their work to support forces personnel.
The two world leading electronics specialists both based in the Northwest in Ulverston and Heysham, received the recognition in the 2024 awards. The Silver Award recognises employers who support the armed forces, including existing or prospective employees who have served.
At Oxley, the commitments recognised are in recruitment and selection procedures and through the introduction of positive policies covering defence people issues such as cadet adult volunteers and reservist policies. Oxley also commits to promoting the benefits of being an armed forces-friendly organisation through knowledge transfer and advocacy within the business community.
Forsberg, like Oxley, were commended for establishing an inclusive atmosphere and recruitment process to support defence personnel and showing flexibility towards Reservists’ training and mobilisation commitments whilst advocating for other companies to follow suit. Forsberg acknowledges the challenges that transitioning from military to civilian workplaces can bring and ensures that internal support, including Mental Health First Aiders from both military and civilian backgrounds, is available. Additionally, external support through their Employee Assistance Program is provided for current and former members of the armed forces community and their families who may be going through similar changes.
Commenting on the 2024 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards; Colonel Mark Underhill OBE DL, Chief Executive at the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA), said, ‘On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are honoured and delighted to be able to recognise the outstanding support and commitment given to the Armed Forces Covenant by businesses and organisations in the region, through the Employer Recognition Scheme awards. Each recipient has demonstrated not only that their support to the Covenant and the wider Armed Forces community, but also that they are prepared to support their Reservists, Service Leavers, Spouses, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets in the workplace.’
Oxley and Forsberg are partners in the Electech Innovation Cluster, a business led cluster providing an empowering collective voice to electronics SMEs in the region. The cluster bridges the gap between industry, research & development, government and education, with an aim of maximising potential by tackling the challenges and opportunities of changing markets, skills, innovation and facilities. The cluster’s objective is to build the region’s reputation as a centre of excellence for Electech.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly, to find out more about the Covenant and the Employer Recognition Scheme journey, please visit About – Armed Forces Covenant
