After signing the Armed Forces Covenant in December 2022, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire are thrilled to announce they have been successful in achieving the Gold Award by the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The prestigious award recognises employers who have actively demonstrated support for the Armed Forces community by implementing policies to help them.
To achieve the Gold Award, organisations must proactively advocate and support Defence, communicating their commitment both internally to employees and externally to the wider community through established policies and examples of support. They must also demonstrate ‘Forces-friendly’ credentials as part of recruitment and selection process and demonstrate support for Armed Forces Veterans, Cadets, Reservists and military spouses/partners. Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the Museum supports Defence personnel and encourages others to do the same.
Chairman of the Army Flying Museum’s Board of Trustees, retired Army Air Corps Major General Neil Sexton said:
“I am delighted that the forces-friendly credentials of the Army Flying Museum have been recognised by this Gold Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme. The Museum is the embodiment of a link between today’s Army aviators, their heritage and their future, with many of its employees and volunteers being military veterans and family members of serving or former Army aviation soldiers. In addition, cadets from local schools and organisations provide vital reinforcements to help at major events like the Museum's flagship annual fundraiser, Wallop Wheels and Wings, and learn so much in the process.”
The National Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the Nation that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, will be treated fairly and will not be disadvantaged in accessing public and commercial services as a result of their military service.
It recognises that the whole Nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families, and it establishes how they should expect to be treated, recognising the sacrifices they make on the Nation’s behalf and the responsibilities the Nation owes them in return.
The Museum has a wide range of veterans and family members of serving personnel both working and volunteering at the Museum across a wide range of different roles. Front of House team member at the Museum, Jade Foulkes said “As a military spouse, it is heartening to know that I have the understanding of the whole team at the Museum and the flexibility in my working life to be able to support my family in what can sometimes be a rapidly changing environment.”
A great deal of hard work has been undertaken by the Museum team over the last two years to strive towards this award and if you would be interested in knowing more or working with the Museum, please contact Amanda Stallard, Development Manager on development@armyflying.com
ENDS
PHOTO: Members of the Museum team and Trustees with Army Air Corps personnel
INTERVIEWS: Interviews are available with the CEO or Chair of the Army Flying Museum – please contact me to arrange
