RSA receives Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award

RSA is proud to announce receipt of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. This accolade, awarded by the Ministry of Defence, is the highest honour for employers. It recognises employer organisations who provide outstanding support to the Armed Forces community and align with the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Significant progress in supporting the Armed Forces community

This Gold Award reflects the progress made by RSA’s Armed Forces Employee Resource Group (ERG) over the past two years in enhancing support for service members, veterans, and their families.

Jon Cope, the ERG's Executive Sponsor, expressed his pride, saying:

We are immensely proud to have received this recognition from the Ministry of Defence. We are keenly aware of the strengths our Armed Forces Community brings to RSA, as well as the challenges many face. This award will further bolster our promise to promote and develop that community, and we thank them deeply for their service.

Jon Cope - UK Personal Lines Managing Director, General Counsel and Company Secretary.

Our journey to Gold status

RSA’s journey to Gold status involved a series of commitments and initiatives. In January 2023, the company signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging support to the Armed Forces community. Since then, RSA quickly progressed from the Bronze and Silver levels of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme to achieve this Gold Award.

Initiatives our ERG has implemented to support the Armed Forces community include:

Establishing dedicated recruitment support for Service Leavers and Forces Families

Partnering with organisations to support the Veteran community. This includes FirstLight Trust and the Royal British Legion
Raising over £8,000 in the 2023 Poppy Appeal
Becoming the first employer to honour our fallen at the National Memorial Arboretum
Researching the impact of being a Forces Family member. With work ongoing to improve the support we give to this underrepresented part of our community

Fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity

RSA's commitment to the Armed Forces community is a cornerstone of our broader diversity and inclusion strategy. By embracing their unique skills, experiences, and perspectives we enrich our workforce and enhance our organisational capabilities.

This Gold Award highlights not just our support for the Armed Forces but also our dedication to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.