Ministry of Defence award handed to St Michael's in recognition of support to Armed Forces community

“Our aim is to achieve Gold status” – says our Chief Executive, Matt Fellows

St Michael’s Hospice has received a prestigious award on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

We’ve been handed the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for demonstrating exceptional support towards members of the Armed Forces community.

The recognition is in addition to St Michael’s being signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Silver Award recognises organisations who implement forces-friendly policies and positive measures within their workforce, proactively supporting members of the Armed Forces and the wider forces family, including Reservists, Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, veterans and military families.

“6.5% of our adult population are serving or former serving personnel,” said Hospice CEO, Matt Fellows.

“The military, and our military veterans, are a huge part of our community. It’s really important that we’ve got a great relationship with them, and that we’re recognising them and their role. If we’re generating over £10million in fundraising from the people of Herefordshire each year, we’ve got to be for the people of Herefordshire, too. This award underpins that.

Mr Fellows said St Michael’s hopes to build on the achievement of the Silver Armed Forces Covenant status by committing to further enhance our support for service personnel, veterans, and their families. “Our plan to achieve Gold status includes expanding tailored employment opportunities, strengthening community engagement, and implementing initiatives that recognize and address the unique challenges faced by the armed forces community,” he said.

CAPTION: Lieutenant Colonel Keith Spiers, Head of Engagement for the Army Headquarters Centre (pictured above, right), presented the award to Matt Fellows.