Nelson and Colne College Group Earns Prestigious Silver Award For Support of Armed Forces Community

Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG) has announced it has achieved the Silver Award under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for 2024.

The accolade follows the NCCG’s Bronze Award in the same scheme last year, highlighting its continued dedication to supporting Defence and the wider Armed Forces community.

The ERS was launched to honour employers who demonstrate outstanding support for defence personnel and their families. Encouraging employers to go above and beyond in their commitment to the Armed Forces community, the scheme includes the recruitment and employment of serving and former military members. It also emphasises the importance of flexibility in accommodating the training and mobilisation commitments of Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

Craig Brown, a Lecturer in Health and Social Care at NCCG collected the Silver Award on behalf of the college from the Kings Lord-Lieutenant for Lancashire Amanda Parker JP.  Craig served in the armed forces for over 20 years and is now the college’s Armed Forces Champion.

Craig said: “I know first-hand the difference education can make, especially for those who find it difficult to adjust after leaving the military.

“At NCCG, we are committed to helping ex-servicemen and women gain the skills they need to succeed. I’m proud of the work we do with the armed forces community and the impact this makes to people’s lives.”

NCCG continues to support veterans and reservists through its involvement with the ERS, and the scheme’s Silver Award highlights its ongoing efforts to provide valuable opportunities for those who have served.

Lisa O’Loughlin, CEO and Principal at NCCG, expressed her pride in the achievement. She said: “We are immensely proud to have been awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting Defence and the Armed Forces community.

“Our alignment with the Armed Forces Covenant reflects our dedication to championing those who serve and have served. This recognition is a reflection of our entire team’s hard work in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for defence personnel.”

Commenting on the announcement of the 2024 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards; Colonel Mark Underhill OBE DL, Chief Executive at the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA), said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are honoured and delighted to be able to recognise the outstanding support and commitment given to the Armed Forces Covenant by businesses and organisations in the region, through the Employer Recognition Scheme awards. Nelson and Colne College have demonstrated not only their support to the Covenant and the wider Armed Forces community, but also that they are prepared to support their Reservists, Service Leavers, Spouses, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets in the workplace.”

The ERS Silver Award underscores NCCG’s leadership in promoting and upholding the values of the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing its role as a champion for the Armed Forces community.