Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been recognised as a finalist in an employer of the year award for veterans.
The service has been shortlisted for the English Veterans Awards, which will be held at the De Vere Wokefield Estate, Reading on Thursday, October 23.
The awards, which benefit the Army Benevolent Fund and The Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, are designed to recognise the outstanding achievements of veterans, and the companies who employ them.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has established pathways for veterans transitioning from the armed forces to the fire and rescue service, employing at least 25 veterans in a variety of roles, including firefighter, IT, programme office, facilities, and communications and engagement.
The RBFRS also host the Armed Forces Veterans’ Hub three times a year creating a space for veterans.
Veterans who are members of staff are invited to the hubs to talk about their transition from military to civilian life.
14 different organisations have attended their Hubs, providing advice for attendees.
This was introduced by a member of staff, also a veteran, spearheaded the initiative, who brought together these organisations as well as other veterans and politicians.
The RBFRS has an armed forces lead in the senior leadership team, who is an ex-forces member, and is working with partners in the forces community to link its HR team to increase engagement at employment fairs.
There is also an honorary armed forces champion on the fire authority.
Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service have been committed to supporting veterans and the armed forces community since signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2018.
This commitment was recognised with a gold award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme in August 2020.
The service has since worked with the Career Transition Partnership to take part in and host the UK’s first Tri-Service Career Insight Day in 2019 and has been part of the Open Health Day at Combermere Barracks, helping provide vital career and wellbeing advice to serving members of the armed forces.
In June 2022, the Royal County of Berkshire Civilian-Military Partnership Board was launched to ensure appropriate support for the military community serving, living, and working in Berkshire.
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