Achieving the Gold ERS Award is the culmination of several years of activity, not only in supporting those who serve but becoming true advocates of the core values and principles of the UK Armed Forces Covenant. L3Harris in Tewkesbury began the journey to its Gold Award status through its initial achievement of the Bronze Award in 2015 and subsequent attainment of Silver in 2021.
“We are delighted and privileged to have secured this Gold ERS Award, the highest badge of honour under the Armed Forces Covenant,” stated Pete Hoddinott, Managing Director for L3Harris’ Intelligence and Cyber International – EMEA business. “This prestigious accolade demonstrates the strength of our commitment to the Armed Forces community as well as our advocacy of the values held within the Covenant.”
Our dedication to the UK Armed Forces
In September 2021, L3Harris Technologies marked 100 years of support for the UK’s defence and security needs by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, confirming its pledge to be a ‘forces friendly employer’ by welcoming the experience, skills and qualities of UK veterans and reservists to its workforce. The business also donated £20,000 to Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity to support the mental health of veterans, alongside the signing of the pledge.
L3Harris in Tewkesbury has actively contributed to upholding this pledge in many ways, from donations to multiple charities to offering virtual Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) support to cadets during the nationwide lockdown. Members of the business’ Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG) took part in a ‘March in March’ challenge too in order to raise money for Combat Stress, which saw them walk 10 miles across the Malvern Hills. The business also sponsored the 660 Tour of Britain in July 2021; donating equipment and resources to aid their efforts in cycling 1180 miles over 11 days to raise money for Blesma and the Royal Signals Charity.
Additionally, in 2021 an Armed Forces flag was given pride of place at one of the Tewkesbury sites, Spectra House, and is raised to mark Armed Forces Day – an occasion that our people proudly support on an annual basis. We are also dedicated to ensuring the good work our business is doing in support of the Armed Forces Covenant is reflected throughout our supply chain, and encourage our partners to join the pledge by working towards their own awards.
Proudly supporting those who serve
It is an honour to have achieved Gold ERS Award status, which will remain in place for five years. During this time, L3Harris in Tewkesbury will continue its good work in advocating the principles of the Covenant, and is due to officially receive the award itself at a national ceremony at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, in November 2022.
“As one of only 156 organisations to have been recognised across the country this year, we couldn’t be happier with our achievement of the Gold Award,” said Ceri Barratt, member of the Tewkesbury Veterans ERG. “I have not served myself, but wanted to help make a difference to this community and show my support for their service. We have many employees who are ex-military and understand the sacrifices that they make on behalf of us all.”
If you would like to learn more about L3Harris’ commitment to the UK Armed Forces, read our pledge.