More than 200 employers from across the UK – spanning FTSE 100 companies, emergency services, local councils and high street names – have been recognised with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for their exceptional commitment to the Armed Forces community.
The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for employers who go above and beyond in supporting Defence and upholding the Armed Forces Covenant. Recipients demonstrate a deep and sustained commitment to those who serve or have served, their families, and the wider Cadet movement.
Originally announced in the summer, these awards shine a light on organisations whose values-led leadership strengthens both their workplaces and their communities. Their actions help create more inclusive, resilient, and dynamic teams – proving that supporting Defence isn’t just the right thing to do, it also makes strong business sense.
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 status, employers must:
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Provide at least 10 days’ additional paid leave for Reservists
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Implement HR policies that support veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
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Advocate for Defence across their networks and sectors
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Demonstrate long-term commitment well beyond the minimum requirements
These organisations lead by example – helping shift national attitudes and raising standards across their sectors.
West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association is proud to congratulate and thank the nineteen Gold Award winners from our region, who represent an incredible range of employers:
Herefordshire – Separ International Limited
Shropshire – Donnington & Muxton Parish Council, RAF Museum, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, The Shrewsbury & Telford Hospitals NHS Trust
Staffordshire – ArB Tree Care (Specialists) Ltd, Benx Limited, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, OAJ Limited t/a Belvoir Stafford and Stone, Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre
Warwickshire – George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Godiva Limited, Veterans Contact Point, Wigley Investment Holdings Limited
West Midlands – Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Mac Surfacing Limited, Modality Partnership, The Phoenix Collegiate
Worcestershire – RT Consulting
A regional awards event to celebrate and present these organisations with their Gold Awards will take place later this month, on October 23rd 2025.
Find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme here: wmrfca.org/employers/employer-recognition-scheme
See the full list of Gold Award holders here: gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme
Published 08/10/2025
