07 September 2020
Marsh, the world's leading insurance broker and risk adviser, today announced that it has attained the gold award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). Organised by the UK government, the ERS encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate their support to the defence and armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
The first major insurance broker, and one of 14 UK financial services firms, to achieve the gold award Marsh completed the rigorous application process just 18 months after first signing the Armed Forces Covenant and receiving the bronze award in early 2019.
Marsh was recognised for the work of its Military Colleague Resource Group (CRG), which promotes education of the issues affecting veterans, reservists, military spouses, and their families. The Military CRG is led by Dave Adams, a Development Executive in Marsh's Corporate Division. Mr Adams joined Marsh in 2018 following his medical discharge from the British Army with post-traumatic stress disorder, after serving 13 years as an aircraft engineer and completing active service in Afghanistan.
The CRG supports Marsh's work as a forces friendly and inclusive business, while also encouraging clients, suppliers and the wider insurance community to become advocates for issues affecting veterans and active service personnel.
Marsh actively encourages colleagues to participate in military activities and events, and supports the Lloyd's Military Network (LMN) which assists the employment of veterans and reservists into the insurance market. Through the LMN and other organisations, Marsh has so far employed over 20 ex-service personnel, including younger service leavers.
Commenting on the award, Chris Lay, CEO, UK & Ireland, Marsh, said: "Marsh is committed to supporting ex-service personnel, reservists and their families. I'm delighted that Marsh has attained the ERS gold award in such a short space of time, which is testament to the work of our CRG and allies throughout the organisation."
Mr Adams added: "The skills learned in the armed forces are truly skills for life and are highly transferrable to the workplace. However, as a veteran, I understand the challenges that ex-service personnel face on leaving military service. Marsh is at the forefront of supporting the veteran and reservist community and their families and is driving real change in helping them make their mark in the insurance industry."
