The Territorial Forces Employer Support Council (TFESC) Awards were launched in 2008 to recognise employers who are committed to supporting Reserve Forces (RF).
In 2009 the awards ceremony will be held in Wellington on 7 April, with three award categories:
- National Employer of the Year for Support to the Reserve Forces
- Wider State Sector Employer of the Year
- Private Sector Employer of the Year.
In 2008 the supreme winner was the law firm Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, chosen from 12 finalists for showing the greatest support for their employee in his military duties. Minter Ellison had granted solicitor Nick Jones seven months leave to be the Platoon Commander on Operation Rata in the Solomon Islands. Nick’s senior colleagues saw the deployment not only as part of his development as a Reserve Force Officer and a person but also as part of his civilian career progression as a lawyer.
TFESC Chairman John Allen is encouraged and delighted to see employers supporting their staff members’ involvement in the Reserve Forces and said, “Employers can only gain from encouraging their employee’s involvement in the Reserves. In return for their support they get highly motivated and energised employees that are confident team players with problem solving and effective communication skills.”