Armed Forces Covenant

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,…

Gold standard employers celebrated

On 23rd October 2024 fourteen organisations from across the wider West Midlands area attended an awards ceremony in Shropshire to receive their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards, recognising their exceptional level of support to the Armed Forces community. Held at Lilleshall House and Gardens in Shropshire – home to one of the UK’s National Sports Centres and the Royal British Legion’s…

Organisations win Gold Award for supporting Armed Forces community

  193 organisations, nationally, have been recognised with a Gold Award from the UK Government, the highest badge of honour for supporting the Armed Forces community.   The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting defence and inspiring others to do the same.   This year organisations of all sizes, from all sectors and from…

Marston’s affirm support to Armed Forces with a cook off

Marston’s celebrated its partnership with the Armed Forces as CEO Justin Platt, Officer, sealed the company’s support to veterans, Armed Forces personnel, and their families by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Marston’s has been awarded the Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and are working towards achieving the Gold Award, through driving engagement with the Armed Forces and offering employment opportunities….

Army Reserves run event week for local community

Employers from across Shropshire gained a special ‘behind the wire’ insight into their local Army Reserve Centre in Dawley Bank. Home to D (Shropshire) Squadron The Royal Yeomanry, forces-friendly employers were invited to spend the day at the centre as part of the squadron’s wider engagement week. The week aimed to bring the community and the military together to learn more about the…