Over 200 employers recognised with top Defence award for outstanding support to the Armed Forces community.
- Scheme recognises employers who go above and beyond in supporting Defence to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve or have served.
- Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for employers who support the Armed Forces Community and uphold the Armed Forces Covenant.
Announcements supports wider Defence transformation under the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy towards innovation, resilience, and sustainable industrial growth. - More than 200 employers – from FTSE 100 companies and emergency services, to local councils and high street names – have been recognised for their exceptional support to the Armed Forces community. These Gold Award winners show that supporting Defence is not just the right thing to do, it also makes strong business sense.
Since its launch in 2014, the Gold Award has become the highest badge of honour for employers who champion veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families in the workplace. This year’s winners demonstrate the power of values-led leadership, creating more inclusive, resilient, and dynamic organisations.
Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said: “Employers are crucial partners in protecting our security and boosting the economy. By backing veterans, Reservists, military families, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and the Cadet movement, these organisations build resilient communities and the innovation Defence needs. I congratulate them and thank them for their outstanding commitment.”
To achieve Gold, employers must:
- Provide at least 10 days’ additional paid leave for Reservists
- Implement HR policies for veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
- Advocate for Defence across their networks and sectors
- Demonstrate sustained commitment well beyond the minimum requirements
- These organisations lead by example, helping to shift national attitudes and raise standards across their sectors.
From global finance and property to healthcare, retail and local government, this year’s recipients highlight the growing range and depth of employer support.
Daniel Maguire, Head of Markets at London Stock Exchange Group, said: “The Gold Award recognises LSEG’s long term commitment to supporting the Defence community. Our veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families within LSEG all bring immense value. Their resilience, adaptability and unwavering sense of duty enrich our workplace and strengthen our culture across the globe, inspiring excellence across our business.”
Richard Rees, Managing Director of Savills (UK) Ltd, said: “Savills applied for the Gold level Employer Recognition Scheme to demonstrate the strength of our commitment to the Armed Forces community. We have an exceptional employee offer, and our business provides a strong cultural fit for those with a background in the Armed Forces. We aim to be an example within our sector, advocating for the Armed Forces community to other businesses, suppliers and clients, and the recognition that we are achieving this is very welcome.”
Steve Ager, Chief Commercial Officer, and Executive sponsor of the Boots Armed Forces Alliance Business Resource Group said: “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition through the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Boots has a proud history of supporting the Armed Forces in the UK, and this award reflects our continued commitment to supporting the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.”
Across the South East, 16 Organisations have received their Gold Award this year:
- a1 print services limited
- Bridewell
- Brighton & Hove City Council
- CareerForces Ltd
- CSPM Consultancy Ltd
- East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
- Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust
- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
- Micro Focus Software UK Ltd, part of Opentext
- Ordnance Survey
- PTSD Resolution CIO
- RED Scientific Ltd
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
- Sirius Analysis Limited
- South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
- Veterans Outreach Support
Anthony Young, CEO of Bridewell said, “At Bridewell, we are deeply proud of our armed forces community and committed to providing them with an environment where they are supported and feel they can belong. Being awarded ‘Gold’ under the Employer Recognition Scheme attests to this ongoing commitment, as well as the great work being done by the members of our Defence and Emergency Services Network.
Many members of the network are currently in service, veterans or supporting the cadets, and we are continually impressed with their professionalism, drive and experience. The armed forces community are essential to Bridewell’s mission, and we will continue to support them and advocate on their behalf wherever we can.”
Colonel (Retd) Patrick Crowley MBE DL, Chief Executive of SERFCA, adds; This is outstanding news! We are delighted to see that 16 organisations in the South East have been awarded the prestigious Gold level in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. They have all shown great advocacy for the Defence-Employer relationship, helping to support Reserve service, Regular personnel, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, veterans and the military ‘family’. All richly deserved!”
The full list of Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners is available here.
Follow the link below to find out more about the Employer Recogntion Scheme:
