Armed Forces Covenant

Gold standard employers celebrated at 2025 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Awards

On 23rd October 2025, nineteen organisations from across the wider West Midlands region gathered in Shropshire to receive their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards, acknowledging their outstanding support for the Armed Forces community. The prestigious ceremony took place once again at Lilleshall House and Gardens – home to one of the UK’s National Sports Centres and the Royal British Legion’s Battle…

Celebrating Gold Winners for Outstanding Support to the Armed Forces Community

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…

Thirteen Covenants signed at NMITE event

Thirteen Herefordshire businesses signed the Armed Forces Covenant at NMITE’s sixth annual Military to Business Showcase in the summer. As sponsors of the event it was inspiring to see such a high number of Armed Forces Covenant signings. The event provided a space to connect the military community with potential civilian employers and educational opportunities. Over 250 attendees had the opportunity to visit…

Employers achieve Silver Award recognition for commitment to Defence personnel

Over 100 guests gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to celebrate thirty-six regional employers who have gained a prestigious award presented to them on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Hosted by the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WM RFCA), the forces-friendly employers were presented with their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for demonstrating exceptional support towards…

Gold winners awarded for outstanding support to the Armed Forces community

* The Defence Employer Recognition 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. * The announcement supports wider Defence transformation under the Strategic Defence Review…

Silver Award announcement for support to Armed Forces

We are very pleased to announce that thirty-six organisations in our region are confirmed as Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award winners for 2025. This brings the total of ERS Silver holders, in our region, to 174. This Ministry of Defence award recognises companies for their support to the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, Veterans, spouses, Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers and Cadets. To…

Going for Gold 2025: Championing Forces-Friendly Employers

This year’s Going for Gold 2025 event invited forces-friendly employers to explore how they can climb the ladder of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). Held at DRP Group’s creative Studio 212 in Hartlebury, the event was a vibrant celebration of collaboration between businesses and the Armed Forces. In partnership with DRP Group, we delivered an action-packed day full of inspiring experiences, hands-on…

1500th Armed Forces Covenant milestone reached

We are pleased to announce our 1500th Armed Forces Covenant signatory as NESO, the National Energy System Operator. The signing took place on 9th December at their Headquarters in Warwick. The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. A national initiative for governments, businesses,…

Employers go behind the scenes at School of Technical Training

Businesses from Shropshire and Staffordshire were given a special ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse into the roles and work of No. 1 School of Technical Training and No. 605 (County of Warwick) Royal Auxiliary Air Force based at RAF Cosford. Hosted by No. 1 School of Technical Training and No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron, with support from Shropshire Council and our Association, the…

Breakfast with the Army

Canley Army Reserve Centre opened its doors to invite Coventry-based businesses to join them for a morning of breakfast networking. In partnership with the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, we explored the benefits of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, with the help of insights from our own Employer Engagement team. Keely Hancox, Operations Manager at the Chamber,…