Top honour for Vistech’s armed services commitment
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded coveted gold award status to Teesside-based security company Vistech Services for its Employer Recognition Scheme. The Scheme recognises UK employers that demonstrate a commitment to defence by proactively supporting the armed forces community and inspiring others to do the same.
To achieve gold award status, a company must uphold recruitment policies that are positive to people who are in or leaving the armed forces, creating opportunities for service personnel such as cadet instructors, veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick, and military spouses and partners, It must also enable reservists to fulfil their annual training and mobilisation commitments and support their reintegration once back at work.
Vistech is the first security company in the UK to hold both the Armed Forces Gold Award and National Security Inspectorate Gold Award while holding Matrix standard accreditation, which is a government quality standard award. Managing director Chris Taylor said: “This award should serve as a testament to the valuable contribution military personnel make to companies like ours. These are people with the drive to go above and beyond in the name of public services and I would encourage any organisation to draw upon the frontline skills and insight they bring. We are honoured to receive this award from the MoD in recognition of the commitments we have made to the armed forces community.”
Vistech also received high praise from the MoD’s regional employer engagement director Darren Rhodes, who said: “Vistech Services are very strong advocates for the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme and their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is a great achievement and hugely deserved. The company created the Vistech Military Mentor Programme, helping those transitioning from the uniformed to the civilian workforce, and they support all three of our armed forces in confidence building and military-to-civilian interface activities.”
As part of its ongoing support to the armed forces community, Vistech hosted an event at its head office in central Middlesbrough, welcoming a number of Teesside-based companies to sign the Amred Forces Covenant Pledge. The Pledge is a promise that those who serve or have served, and their families are treated with fairness and respect in their communities, economy, and the society they serve.
The event was attended by MoD representatives including David Eccles, from North of England Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations, assistant naval regional commander Lt Cdr Stew Weir and Capt David Ridley, regimental operational support officer for B Rifles. During the event they gave an introduction to the support the Armed Forces Covenant currently provides to those who serve, or who have served, and their families.
Vistech’s Military Mentor Programme helps those who have recently left the forces and their families to prosper during the transition into civilian life. It’s team of mentors provides long-term. face-to-face support during transition and for up to two years after discharge. They also assist with confidence and relationship issues, particularly in relation to the differences between military and civilian environments, providing reassurance during this often daunting time.
Chris said: “We are committed to providing routeways into long-tem employment and facilitating training development programmes to skill former and current members of the armed forces”
Through its accreditated training centre, Vistech provides discounted training courses for reservists and veterans. These courses, accredited by Highfield, can be delivered afce-to-face or via a virtual classroomand equip learners with the skills and confidence to find employment and facilitate career development.
Vistech’s commitment to supporting the defence and the armed forces community is also demonstrated through its support of the ELCAS Enhanced Learning Credits, which it accepts from former and serving members of the armed forces.
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