The Ministry of Defence has recognised PATT Foundation as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, awarding the charity the Silver Award 2023.
The ERS scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and also align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. A Silver Award is the second-highest badge of honour, and for PATT Foundation, this is an increase from its Bronze Award status last year and recognises the work the charity does to support the Armed Forces community.
The scheme sees serving and former Armed Forces community members employed by the companies taking part, alongside using an adaptive approach towards training and mobilisation commitments for both Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. PATT Foundation’s achievement with the scheme has been ongoing, following an agreement pledging support to the Armed Forces community and gaining Bronze Level Award for the Employer Recognition Scheme in 2022.
Steve Haigh, CEO of PATT Foundation said: “The Armed Forces, and those who serve, are assets to our nation. It has been incredibly important for us as a charity to be able to support the Armed Forces community through our environmental work.”
“Achieving this award not only demonstrates the importance we place on the Armed Forces community and Defence People, but also enables us to look forward to what additional support we can provide in the future.”
Andrew Steel, a veteran himself and founder of PATT Foundation, said: “Being presented a Silver Award by the Armed Forces Covenant is a great recognition of the initiatives we have in place to support individuals transitioning out of the Armed Forces into a new career or providing flexibility for our reservists. I want to congratulate all the businesses and organisations for their ongoing support to those in the Armed Forces community.”
