THERE were smiles all round as an Academy Trust was awarded the highest badge of honour for supporting the Armed Forces community.
Summit Learning Trust, which oversees the running of eight schools including Ninestiles, Lyndon School, Cockshut Hill and Solihull Sixth Form College, was handed the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
The award, which is bestowed by national Government, recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting defence and inspiring others to do the same.
Summit Learning Trust is one of 193 national gold recipients – only granted to organisations which demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
The Trust, which was already a Silver ranked signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, has a Army Cadet detachment – cap badged as a Rifles unit and made up of cadets from across the Summit secondary schools.
Vince Green, chief executive at Summit Learning Trust, said: “Summit Learning Trust is honoured to have received a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, and delighted that our support for Armed Forces communities within our family of schools has been recognised.
“Whether as an employee reservist, veteran or a cadet in our thriving detachment, the Armed Forces fosters values of service, respect and integrity which we prize within our trust.
“We are proud to strengthen our connection to the Armed Forces through this scheme and to pledge our continued support in the future.”
Gold status is given to those who implement policies that accommodate the needs of the Armed Forces community and the achievement recognises the generous support and leave packages Summit makes available to current or future employees who are Armed Forces Reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
The scheme aligns with the new government’s manifesto promise to strengthen support for Armed Forces communities, including putting the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law and a commitment to create a new Armed Forces Commissioner to improve service life and be a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families.
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns said: “Our Armed Forces Community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace.
“This scheme aligns with this government’s determination to renew the nation’s contract with our Armed Forces.
“I would like to thank the nearly 200 organisations that have been recognised with a gold award this year. Their continued support ensures that our Armed Forces Community are given opportunities needed to flourish.”
