The British Army has been named as a finalist in the “Best for Fathers” and “Best for Supporting Fertility and Pathways to Parenthood” categories in the Working Families Best Practice Awards 2022. The awards, now in their 13th year, celebrate employers whose cultures and working practices are leading the way in flexible and employee-friendly workplaces.
It is fantastic that the British Army has been recognised for the significant amount of work we have done to improve the lived experience for all of our parents. Lt Col Jonathan Buxton
Best for Fathers - award
The Army has been shortlisted for the Best for Fathers Category because of our organisational change and transformation initiatives. These recognise that the world and workplace are changing quickly; we must remain flexible, be adaptable, offer suitable policy options and support our capabilities, people and equipment, quickly and effectively.
Best for Supporting Fertility and Pathways to Parenthood - award
The organisation has also been shortlisted for the "Best for Supporting Fertility and Pathways to Parenthood” award. We hold continuously reviewed Assisted Conception and Fertility Preservation policies, which are founded on ensuring access to treatment aligned to NHS criteria and NICE guidelines, whilst promoting flexible working and provision of geographic stability. Find out more here.
Eligible employees are entitled to the maximum NICE recommended number of cycles irrespective of where they are employed (in England) and/or their local Clinical Commissioning Group's (CCG) provision.
Best for Mothers - award
Lt Col Jonathan Buxton, Chair of The Army Parents’ Network said: “It is fantastic that the British Army has been recognised for the significant amount of work we have done to improve the lived experience for all of our parents.
“Being shortlisted for these two awards builds on the success last year when we won the “Best for Mothers” title and proves that, even when employed in the most demanding of jobs, support for families can and must still be achieved.”
Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive of Working Families said: “We're thrilled to have had so many impressive entries to select from this year. A massive congratulations to our finalists, who come from across the board but who are all leading the way in creating supportive working cultures and showing what successful flexible working can look like.”
“It's so encouraging that, as we emerge from the pandemic, so many employers are responding to the evidence that flexibility doesn't just work, it can work better.
“Our remarkable finalists are helping to highlight the benefits of family-friendly policies and cultures for everyone. They have found solutions that work both for the employees and the business, and are reaping the rewards of a more productive, more engaged workforce.”
Employers from a diverse range of sectors from across the UK have competed to catch the judges’ attention in ten categories.