34 South East Employers Receive Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award

/ Employer Engagement / By

Monday 8th June 2026 | We are delighted to announce that 34 organisations from across the South East have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2026. Nationally, 331 have been awarded. Congratulations to all. 

The ERS Silver Award celebrates employers who are actively creating supportive environments for Reservists, veterans, the Cadet movement and military families. These organisations demonstrate that support for Defence is not simply symbolic, but embedded within workplace culture, policies and leadership.

Silver Award recipients are recognised for initiatives such as:

  • Additional leave for reservist training and mobilisation support
  • Active veteran recruitment and retention policies
  • Flexible support for military families
  • Visible leadership endorsement of the Armed Forces Covenant

Major General Marc Overton (MSHQ-ACDS RFC), said “Congratulations to all organisations receiving the ERS Silver Award this year. These employers are making a meaningful contribution to Defence by supporting those who serve, while recognising the enormous value that Reservists, veterans and military families bring to the workforce”.

“As a Reservist myself, I know how important employer support is. The flexibility, understanding and advocacy shown by organisations across the UK enables our people to balance civilian careers with service commitments, strengthening both Defence and society as a whole.”

“In today’s increasingly uncertain global environment, strong partnerships between Defence and employers are more important than ever. The commitment shown by this year’s Silver Award holders helps ensure the UK maintains resilient, capable and adaptable armed forces for the future.”

Amanda Duffy FCILT MInstTA, Director, Duffy Logistics comments: “Duffy Logistics is honoured to receive the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award. As a business with strong links to the Armed Forces community, we recognise the valuable skills, dedication, and leadership that Service personnel, Reservists, Veterans, and military families bring to the workplace.

Receiving the Silver Award reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Covenant and creating opportunities for those who have served. We are proud to foster an inclusive environment where members of the Armed Forces community can thrive and continue to make positive contributions.

This recognition reinforces our commitment to championing the Armed Forces community and ensuring that those who serve, or have served, are supported in building successful and rewarding civilian careers. We look forward to continuing our work in partnership with the Armed Forces Covenant and promoting the valuable contribution that Armed Forces personnel make to businesses across the UK.”

Assistant Principal at Sixth Form Andover College Campus, Nikki Yates said: “At Sparsholt College group, incorporating Andover Campus and Sparsholt Campus, we are absolutely thrilled to have achieved our Silver Employer Recognition Scheme award. It is a moment we are incredibly proud of as a college community. Situated at the heart of an area with a strong military presence, supporting our armed forces community is something that runs deep in everything we do, it isn’t just a policy, it is a genuine commitment that we take seriously at every level of our organisation. We pride ourselves on being a workplace that backs our staff who serve, whether they are full-time members of the armed forces or dedicated reservists balancing two incredibly demanding roles. We want every one of them to know that they have our full support and understanding.

Beyond our staff, we are equally passionate about the experience of our service children who come to us as students. These young people often navigate unique challenges such as frequent moves, periods of separation from a parent, and the need to adapt constantly, yet they bring with them extraordinary resilience, fresh perspectives, and personal strength that enriches our college community. We work hard to ensure that they, and their families, feel seen, valued, and supported from the moment they walk through our doors.

We recognise that there is always more we can do, and we are committed to continually improving the ways in which we support our military families. This award is a fantastic acknowledgement of the armed forces-friendly values and policies we actively promote across our campuses, and it motivates us more than ever to keep building on the work already being done.”

Congratulations to all of the following organisations in the South East that have been awarded their Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award this year:

Group Captain Keith Lane, Chief of Staff and Head of Engagement at the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, adds: “Congratulations to all 34 South East regional winners of the 2026 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award. This recognition reflects your outstanding commitment to Defence and the wider Armed Forces community. Your support for Regulars, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, Service spouses, veterans and cadets makes a genuine difference, helping them thrive both within Defence and in the civilian sector. Thank you for your continued partnership, support and dedication.”

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

Click here
Subscribe
Subscribe