As President of the South East Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association, I am delighted to congratulate the 20 South East employers who have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award 2026, alongside 162 organisations nationally that have achieved this prestigious recognition.
The ERS Gold Award recognises employers that go beyond their Armed Forces Covenant commitments by embedding forces-friendly policies, supporting Reservists, veterans, military families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and actively championing Defence within their organisations and communities.
I extend my warmest congratulations to all the South East organisations that have achieved Gold Award status this year. These employers have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the Armed Forces community, recognising the immense value that Reservists, veterans, service families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers bring to the workplace and society. Their leadership and dedication set a wonderful example for others to follow, helping to strengthen both our communities and our nation’s resilience.
Thank you to every Gold Award recipient for your outstanding support of Defence people and for championing the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, The Countess Howe, President of SERFCA.
Follow the link below to find out more about the 20 Gold Employer Recognition Scheme recipients from the South East:
To find out more about the Employer Recogntion Scheme follow the link below: