South East Employers “Go for Gold”

The SERFCA Employer Engagement team kicked off the new year with their two-day “Going for Gold” workshop at their headquarters in Aldershot, Hampshire. The event focused on the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) nomination process for 2025, providing participants with valuable hints and tips.

On both days, the workshop began with an introductory session led by Colonel Patrick Crowley (Retd), MBE DL, Chief Executive of SERFCA. Attendees then heard from Gold Award holders Kerry Hudson of CGI IT UK Ltd (Day 1), Micky Ripley from Equinix Ltd (Day 2) and Paul Brooks from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (both days). who shared their experiences and approaches to achieving Gold status.

The program included an in-depth session on the Gold criteria and the nomination process, presented by Louis Szreider, Regional Employer Engagement Director at SERFCA. Participants engaged in group discussions to brainstorm ideas for Gold activities, with guidance from mentors representing both the public and private sectors. Following this, group thoughts were shared in an open forum.

An introduction to the Gold Award Association (GAA) was provided by Canon Peter Bruinvels, co-chair of the South East Public Sector GAA. The workshop concluded with a mentor panel, offering attendees an opportunity to ask questions and gain insights from experienced panel members, including Kerry Hudson, Micky Ripley, Paul Brooks, Leigh Thomas (REED at SERFCA), and Canon Peter Bruinvels.

The event wrapped up with lunch and networking, giving attendees an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas.

Follow the link below to find out more about the Employer Recogntion Scheme: