Softcat achieves the Gold Award in the Armed Forces’ Employer Recognition Scheme

We’re proud to announce that Softcat has recently achieved the Armed Forces’ Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award. This is the highest level of recognition available under the Armed Forces Covenant for employers like us who show outstanding support to the Armed Forces community, particularly within the workplace, while encouraging other organisations in our sector to do the same.

“Achieving the Gold Armed Forces Covenant status is something I'm incredibly proud of. It reflects Softcat’s commitment to building an inclusive culture where different experiences are valued, and where veterans, reservists and military families feel supported, included and able to thrive.” – Rachel Cowell, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Acquisition

This year, over 160 organisations received the Gold Award, which is designed primarily to recognise private sector support although public sector organisations are also eligible to be recognised.

"I'm hugely proud of the work that's gone into achieving Gold, particularly the practical changes we've made to support reservists, and the wider Armed Forces community. The recognition is fantastic, but what I find most exciting is the opportunity it creates for Softcat to continue building on these foundations and expand the positive impact we can have in the future."- Jamie Colacicco, Services Improvement Manager

What does this mean?

It means that we are committed to supporting veterans, reservists and their families within our organisation. This includes actively supporting the employment of veterans, recognising their unique skills and qualifications and creating a welcoming environment for them during the recruitment process and once they’re employed by Softcat.

“This gives our Sales teams an additional way to demonstrate our values and commitment to social value, while helping customers understand that they are partnering with an organisation that actively supports veterans, reservists, military families and the wider defence community.” – William Jarrett, Strategic Client Director/ Team Leader

What did it take to achieve this award?

• Here is an example of the criteria we had to meet:
• Meet all the standards and criteria for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards
• Actively encourage and support an internal Armed Forces community network
• Actively encourage a positive workplace environment for Active Reservists, through positive policies and at least ten days of additional annual leave
• Demonstrate support to the Cadet movement by committing resources, such as sponsorship and employment advice/guidance, to improving outcomes for cadets.
• Be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

You can read more about the criteria here.

“Being awarded the Armed Forces Gold Covenant Award is a huge achievement.  For me, as both member and lead, it means our work is now recognised as an exemplar of support for veterans, reservists, cadets and military families.  It validates the impact we’ve helped create, raises the network’s influence across Softcat and gives us a stronger platform to advocate, inspire and drive meaningful change.” – Sally Donoghue, Senior Executive Assistant

This is a huge achievement, made possible by the hard work of our internal Armed Forces and Veterans Network and our Diversity & Inclusion team.