This month, we spoke to West Midlands Police (WMP), the second largest police force in England and Wales by population served. The force protects more than 2.9 million people across the seven local authority areas of Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Solihull.

WMP Employer Recognition Scheme Journey

West Midlands Police first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012, and their recent Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award reinforces their longstanding commitment to supporting colleagues who are veterans, Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Impressively, the force currently employs 63 active Reservists.

Achieving the Silver ERS Award recognises the steps WMP have taken to create an inclusive workplace for the Armed Forces community. Their recruitment practices and workplace policies help make the transition from military service into policing as smooth as possible, enabling former service personnel to bring valuable leadership, professionalism and specialist skills that benefit both the organisation and the communities it serves.

The force has also strengthened its support for Reservists by ensuring its special leave policy enables them to meet their annual training commitments. Reservists are entitled to up to ten additional days of paid leave each training year, helping them balance their policing career with their military responsibilities while contributing to the resilience of the UK’s Armed Forces.

Matt, Response Officer and Military Liaison Officer

These policies have enabled many colleagues to successfully combine their civilian careers with Reserve service, including Matt, a Response Officer and Military Liaison Officer.

Matt joined the Army Reserve at the age of 19 and has now served for 16 years. He joined West Midlands Police in November 2023 and currently works as a Response Officer.

“I’m fully aware of how cliché it sounds, but being a Reservist really does give you the best of both worlds. It allows you to maintain your civilian career while receiving military training and deploying on operations. The Reserves will allow you to do as much as you can commit to.”

Reflecting on his personal journey, Matt said:

“From a personal perspective, you just never know where the Reserves might lead you. I met my wife through the Army Reserve, and ten years later we’re married with a 15-month-old daughter. It’s not something I could ever have predicted when I first walked through the doors of a Reserve centre sixteen years ago.”

Matt explained that he initially considered joining the Regular Army but was encouraged to explore the Reserve Forces first.

“I was in two minds about joining the Regular Army, and somebody I knew who was serving in the Reserves suggested I join them instead. It gave me a great insight into military life and helped me decide whether it was the right path for me.”

Alongside his policing role, Matt serves as a Military Liaison Officer, supporting Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) operations. This includes coordinating military support for major events and emergencies, such as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Depending on the operation, he may deploy on the ground as the liaison between military and civilian agencies or provide support from a military or civilian operations room.

“I really enjoyed the balance of having my civilian career while being able to do the Reserve bit in my spare time, so I carried on. Sixteen years later, despite several civilian career changes, the Reserves have remained a constant throughout.”

The Reserve Forces make up around one-sixth of the British Army’s trained strength and play a vital role in protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas. Reservists dedicate their spare time to serving their country, making employer support essential.

West Midlands Police are a fantastic example of an organisation that recognises the value Reservists bring to the workplace. By supporting them through flexible policies and a positive workplace culture, they also demonstrate their wider commitment to members of the Armed Forces community.

Matt also wants to encourage others to consider joining the Reserve Forces.

“People often think you need specialist skills to join, but that’s absolutely not the case. You’ll receive all the role-specific training you need. All that’s required is enthusiasm, commitment and the ability to work as part of a team, and there will be a role for you in the Reserves.”

Congratulations to West Midlands Police on achieving their Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award, and thank you for your continued commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

If you’re thinking about signing the Armed Forces Covenant, or you’re ready to take the next step towards achieving a Silver or Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award, we’d love to help. Click here to find out more.

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Operating from three strategically positioned depots across Central England, Traffix provides traffic management for complex infrastructure schemes, construction projects, highway maintenance, utilities, and high-profile events such as Birmingham Pride.

“We have a wide variety of work. A big part of what we do is traffic management for events. We work on several football clubs, festivals and events, so there’s a real variety in the work we do. The football clubs we work with, as well as our directors and wider workforce, are all made up of people from mixed backgrounds.”

Traffix was founded in 2006 with a mission to do things differently. The Traffix way is the family way.

“We’re completely unique and different, not just in the work that we do, but in the values we bring to our staff. We have a one-to-one, open-door policy, and we really care about our people and their families.

“We offer a support network not just for our staff, but for their wider families as well, and that’s where I think we’re different. We’re not just employers who expect people to clock in and clock out. Anyone can approach any of our directors, and we’re always here to listen and offer support.”

Traffix and the Armed Forces Covenant

Director of Operations Vinnie comes from a military background, as do his brother and the company’s Health and Safety Executive. Around ten years ago, the business found itself asking the same question: how can we better support veterans and Reservists?

“We did some research and contacted a Major, who was fantastic in guiding, helping and supporting us through joining the Armed Forces Covenant. Without that support, we’d have been lost. Speaking to soldiers and sitting down with their families is one thing, but getting on that first step of the ladder is another. The support Sam Brittle has given us, right up to today, has been invaluable throughout the whole process.”

Being ex-forces themselves means Vinnie and others within the organisation understand the broad range of skills Reservists and veterans bring to the workplace.

“Reservists are fantastic. They bring punctuality, professionalism, attention to detail, communication skills and the ability to liaise with clients. We’ve had people like Prince William turn up at Aston Villa, as everyone knows he’s a big fan, and the first people these VIP guests see are our Traffix team. So appearance and attention to detail are really important. Whether they’re speaking to VIPs or members of the public, they know how to deal with the situation straight away and provide support and advice.”

Traffix’s Journey to Gold

It took Traffix seven years to achieve Gold in the Employer Recognition Scheme. Vinnie believes that’s a positive thing because organisations shouldn’t see it as just another award to display on their website.

“It’s important that the process isn’t a quick fix. You have to demonstrate what you do and put a lot of work and effort into it. For me, it’s more than worth it.”

Traffix hasn’t just achieved Gold; they’ve also encouraged other businesses to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.

“Our advice is that getting to where you want to be takes hard work and commitment. You’ll need continued support throughout the process. It takes time, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Supporting Forces and Families

The Employer Recognition Scheme doesn’t end once an organisation achieves Gold. Employers must continue supporting Reservists, veterans, volunteers and military families. Traffix understands that commitment and ensures its people are well looked after.

“Some people who joined us from other companies had to take annual leave or weren’t paid when attending Reservist duties. We don’t do that. They keep their annual leave, and we pay them when they need time off for Reservist training and activities.”

Thank you to Traffix for going the extra mile to support veterans, Reservists and other members of the Armed Forces community. Gold Award holders proactively advocate for and support Defence, demonstrating their commitment through established policies and by championing the Armed Forces community both within their organisation and across the wider community.

Are you thinking about signing the Armed Forces Covenant? Or are you looking to take the next step towards Silver or Gold in the Employer Recognition Scheme? If you’d like to find out more, please click here.

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Guests were able to enjoy delicious canapés and fizz, wonderful performances from the Shropshire Brass Ensemble, the stirring sounds of the Shropshire Army Cadet Force Bugles, and the chance to explore an impressive display of vintage military vehicles.

A huge thank you to MC, Samantha Brettell DL, who kept the evening flowing, and to the inspiring speakers:

– Oliver Benbow, General Manager of Hatfields
– Colonel Marius Coulon, is the Honorary Secretary to the Shropshire ACF Trust
– Charlie Hall, former Cadet with Shropshire ACF and now a second year operations apprentice with Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL).
– Francis Acton, Chair of West Midland RFCA and Army Reserve Officer.
– Melvyn Downes, former 22 SAS Sergeant-Major and Author of Unbreakable, and also a member of the Directing Staff on SAS:Who Dares Wins.
– Ted Shirley, former infantry soldier with 1 Royal Welsh, served two tours of Afghanistan as a sniper and Author of Afghanistan Sniper: Trauma on the Front Line and Beyond.
Dr Graham Wynn OBE, Head of Wynn Foundation.
Sean McCarthy, Health and Wellbeing Directorate and Sport & Physical Activity Co-ordinator – Shropshire Council.

Having spent a decade navigating severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and moral injury, Ted has dedicated his civilian life to breaking the silence surrounding military mental health. Melvyn shared how resilience, hard work, timekeeping, and a good sense of humour are just a few skills that members of the Armed Forces community bring to workplaces.

It was an honour to be joined by the Shropshire Lord Lieutenant, adding to what was a truly memorable occasion. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success.

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These organisations have gone above and beyond in their support for the Armed Forces community, helping to create more forces-friendly workplaces and recognising the values that Reservists, Veterans, the Cadet movement, military families and service leavers bring.

There are 31 Silver Award recipients in total for the West Midlands region this year, with 331 nationally. This is a brilliant achievement and a proud moment for employers throughout the West Midlands and across the whole RFCA network.

Congratulations to:

Baily Garner

BeaverFit UK

Birmingham City FC Foundation

Birmingham Metropolitan College

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

CS Comms Limited

ESCO Maritime Solutions

Housing Plus Group

Invictus Games Birmingham 2027

Kenilworth Rugby Club

Keys Group

McPhillips (Wellington) Limited

Micross Electronics Ltd

One Thousand Trades Group

Probation Delivery Unit Black Country

Quick Mortgages

RG Wilbrey (Consultants) Ltd

Ross-on-Wye Town Council

Sable Leigh Consultancy Ltd

Shropshire Community Foundation

Shropshire Community Leisure Trust Ltd

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council

Steatite Limited

Tallis Amos Group

The Association Of Vehicle Installers

Entrepreneurs Circle

Triple AAA Renovations Ltd

University College Birmingham

Walsall Community Association

Walsall Football Club Limited

West Midlands Police

Please join us in celebrating these organisations and the people behind their continued support for Defence.

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Serve and Protect Credit Union

Serve and Protect Credit Union is a Gold ERS not-for-profit organisation designed to support people across five key public sectors: police and police staff, all branches of the military (including civil servants), fire and rescue services, and health and social care. Its purpose is to help improve financial resilience to ensure members are better prepared for emergencies through savings, while also promoting financial education across these sectors.

Where borrowing is needed, funds from members’ savings are used to support others within the same community. It’s an exclusive financial institution that is gaining increasing awareness, built on a simple principle: people helping people.

Leaving the RAF to join Serve and Protect

Jon Sykes joined the Royal Air Force in July 1986 at the age of 16. 

“Looking back, the kind of financial education I now deliver would have been invaluable to me then. I would argue that it’s something that should be taught in schools.” 

He spent nearly 37 years in a people-focused career, leaving the RAF in November 2022. After his service, Jon was given the opportunity to support others on their financial resilience journey. For him, it was a simple decision to continuing to help people. 

During his RAF career, particularly in the final 15 years, he worked extensively in welfare roles, making this transition a natural fit. Moving from a large organisation into one that supports those same communities required an open mindset, but four years on, he remains fully committed to the role.

Serve and Protect’s ERS Journey

Serve and Protect’s involvement with the Armed Forces community dates back to 2015, when an inquiry highlighted the lack of financial education for those leaving military service. The credit union was one of three invited to support the Ministry of Defence, leading to the creation of the Joining Forces Credit Union. Its 10-year anniversary was marked in October last year, followed by a celebration event at the Houses of Parliament in January.

The organisation’s journey through the Employer Recognition Scheme began with a Silver Award in 2019, following CEO Paul signing the Armed Forces Covenant. This was quickly followed by achieving Gold in 2020. The revalidation process was proudly completed at the Ministry of Defence on Armed Forces Day.

For Serve and Protect, the Covenant is not just a signing; it represents a genuine commitment. Everything within it is actively delivered.

“The revalidation process offered me valuable insight as I transitioned into a civilian organisation. Putting it all together was like a jigsaw puzzle because we had to gather evidence across multiple areas. The support from the West Midland RFCA was instrumental, and I strongly encourage others to seek guidance when going through the process.”

“If something doesn’t apply to your organisation, it’s okay to say so. In many cases, Serve and Protect found we were already meeting requirements through everyday work, such as engagement with the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, as well as supporting training, cadet programmes, and national and local initiatives.”

They also ensured internal policies supported reservists and cadet volunteers, including employees actively serving in roles such as 605 Squadron at Cosford. External advocacy formed the final part of the process, including testimonials, speaking engagements, sector programmes, and support for defence charities.

Although the process is detailed, Jon emphasises the importance of preparation, asking questions, and seeking support. For him personally, it demonstrated how his military experience could translate into a commercial environment, making him more well-rounded and proud of his work.

Maintaining Gold

Since joining Serve and Protect, Jon has been struck by how many colleagues across police, fire, rescue, and healthcare backgrounds are also ex-military. The organisation’s commitment to the Covenant and its Gold status carries real recognition and respect.

Rather than treating the award as a one-time achievement, the team made a conscious decision to keep it alive. The Covenant is treated as a living document, regularly updated and embedded across the organisation. Jon serves as the Armed Forces Champion, supported by representatives across different business areas.

“By maintaining this approach, the aim is to ensure that future revalidation requires minimal effort because the principles are already part of daily operations.”

There is strong organisational buy-in, from HR to all colleagues, reinforcing that this is more than a certificate; it’s an ongoing commitment. Serve and Protect is also keen to support other organisations on their journey.

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As a veteran-led organisation, Black Onyx Academy is deeply committed to passing on the valuable skills and experiences gained through service to the next generation.

The session saw fantastic engagement throughout the evening, with eighteen young people turning up to get involved. While some participants left early, a strong core group stayed until the very end, fully committed and pushing themselves through a variety of mental and physical challenges. Their determination and energy did not go unnoticed.

Building Resilience, Communication, and Confidence

We asked one attendee how she might have spent her Friday night if she hadn’t attended.

“Probably watching TV or scrolling on my phone.”

Instead, she and many others chose to step outside their comfort zone, try something new, and invest in their personal growth.

We’re also incredibly proud to share that the workshop inspired two girls from the group to take their interest further by wanting to join the cadets, an amazing outcome and a testament to the impact of the session.

At the start of the event, those two girls were reluctant to take part, but by the end, they stated that they absolutely loved it. Stefan Northfield liaised with their parents and took them to visit local cadets centres. Shortly after, the girls joined their local Army Cadets.

What’s Next?

This marks just the beginning of Operation Mindset. Black Onyx Academy plans to run these workshops regularly in Bentley, Stoke-on-Trent, with a vision to expand into wider communities and continue making a positive difference in young people’s lives

Black Onyx Concepts are currently a Gold ERS Award holder and Black Onyx are Bronze. By pledging their support, the organisation is demonstrating ongoing, practical support for Veterans, Reservists, cadets and military families.

If you would like to find out more about these workshops or any other upcoming events, please visit their website.

And if you or someone you know is thinking about joining the cadets, you can find out more information here.

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This month, we’ve spoken to Mike Sykes of ESCO Maritime Solutions, a business that is rebuilding its Armed Forces Covenant journey from the ground up.

ESCO Maritime Solutions

ESCO Maritime Solutions is a relatively new name, officially formed in April 2025 following the acquisition of Ultra Maritime by ESCO Technologies. Bringing together operations in the UK and the US, the organisation now sits within a broader aerospace and defence portfolio.

Each part of the business contributed something unique. ESCO brought its established engineering strength, while Ultra Maritime added specialist maritime capabilities. Together, they have created a more complete offering, filling a gap in the wider ESCO portfolio and strengthening its position in the defence sector.

Although ESCO Maritime Solutions had previously held Armed Forces Covenant status, the transition following acquisition meant starting again. Rather than seeing this as a setback, Mike describes it as an opportunity.

“It’s been our making. We’ve had to go back to basics and make sure we’re truly set up to support the Armed Forces community and to live up to the commitments we’re making.”

The Bronze Award Journey

One of the biggest surprises for Mike was how accessible the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award process was.

“It was structured, straightforward, and surprisingly easy to complete, but it also made us look hard at ourselves.”

The process prompted a full review of internal policies, particularly around support for veterans, reservists, and military families. With a new HR Director in place, the organisation used the opportunity to strengthen its foundations and identify areas for improvement.

Since signing the Covenant and achieving Bronze status, ESCO Maritime Solutions has seen a tangible cultural shift. Conversations around Armed Forces support are now happening more openly across the organisation. Employees with military connections have responded particularly positively.

More Than a Badge: What Bronze Really Means

For ESCO Maritime Solutions, achieving Bronze is not a tick-box exercise. It marks the beginning of a deliberate, structured journey to becoming a forces-friendly employer.

It represents:

● A clear statement of intent
● Validation of internal efforts
● A foundation for meaningful, long-term action

From strengthening policies to increasing awareness and visibility, the organisation is actively embedding its commitments into everyday practice.

From Bronze to Silver and Beyond

The journey doesn’t stop here. Over the next 12-24 months, ESCO Maritime Solutions has clear ambitions:

● Achieve Silver Award status
● Deepen and embed Armed Forces policies
● Expand internal engagement and awareness
● Grow recruitment pathways for the Armed Forces community

This includes building stronger links with organisations like the Career Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs, as well as exploring new initiatives such as insight days and mentoring programmes. The long-term goal is to be recognised as an employer where military-connected individuals can build meaningful, lasting careers.

The Value of Military Talent in the Workplace

One story perfectly illustrates the impact of Armed Forces experience in their workplace.

A veteran employee helped resolve a persistent operational issue affecting an engineering workflow. The problem wasn’t technical; it was organisational. Teams were working in isolation, communication was poor, and ownership was unclear.

Drawing on military experience, the individual:

● Mapped the workflow
● Identified pressure points
● Introduced daily stand-ups
● Clarified task ownership
● Implemented a simple visual tracking system

Within a week, the issue was resolved.

“They didn’t present themselves as the solution; it was just instinct. The result wasn’t just improved performance, teams felt more aligned, less frustrated, and more effective.”

Advice to Other Employers

Mike’s advice to organisations considering the Armed Forces Covenant is refreshingly practical.

1. Start simple: You don’t need to have everything in place. You just need intent to start.
2. Listen to your people: Those with military connections will show you where you can make the biggest impact.
3. Recognise the value: Military talent brings leadership, resilience and technical expertise.
4. Focus on small, meaningful actions: Review policies, raise awareness, and create space for conversation.

“I wish I’d known how straightforward it was. Bronze is about taking that first step. It helps you understand where you need to go.”

For ESCO Maritime Solutions, that first step has already sparked meaningful change. With strong foundations in place and a clear vision for the future, the organisation is well on its way to becoming a leading forces-friendly employer.

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Squadron Leader Luke Horobin, a senior leader at The Phoenix Collegiate, shares his journey from a military to civilian career with us.

In the article below, he talks about the qualifications he has since gained, and why having the support of his employer has allowed him to thrive.

“Transitioning from military life to a civilian career can feel daunting, especially when you’re unsure how your experience will translate. For me, the move into education was not only a new beginning, but also a chance to make a meaningful impact on young people—and I’ve been fortunate to be supported by a Headteacher and the senior leadership team in a school that truly values what ex-forces personnel bring to the table.

“My journey started as a part-time School Staff Instructor (SSI) with our school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) from leaving the Royal Marines Band Service. It was the perfect bridge between military service and civilian work—allowing me to pass on the values of discipline, leadership, and teamwork. Over time, I was given the opportunity to grow, and today I’m proud to now serve as our Full-time Contingent Commander.

“Thanks to the trust and support of the whole school, I’ve since taken on a wide range of responsibilities that have shaped both my professional growth and the student experience. I now lead as the school’s:

• Educational Visits Coordinator

• Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Manager

• Leader of the School Student Leadership Team

• Coordinator of the whole-school extracurricular provision

• Leader of the School’s Rewards Programme

“Each of these roles has given me the opportunity to bring structure, high expectations, and opportunity to our students—mirroring many of the values I lived by during my time in the Armed Forces. Whether I’m planning safe, enriching trips, supporting character development through DofE, or helping pupils aim higher through our rewards and leadership programmes, the school has consistently embraced the transferable skills I bring.

“I’ve also been encouraged to pursue my own professional development.

“Three years ago I completed my Level 7 in Leadership and Management through City and Guilds and this year, I proudly completed my National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and became an Associate Member of the Senior Leadership Team. Being part of the school’s wider strategic vision is a role I take seriously, and one I couldn’t have achieved without a workplace that nurtures and invests in its people.

“That’s why it’s particularly meaningful that we’ve recently been awarded the Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. This recognition reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and service families—and I’m living proof of what that real support can lead to.”

Find out more about how your organisation can support members of the Armed Forces community in your workforce.

Learn more about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Published 04/12/25.

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ESCO Maritime Solutions proudly hosted a public signing ceremony to formalise its pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing its dedication to supporting members of the UK Armed Forces community.

The event, held at ESCO’s headquarters, brought together senior leadership, employees, and representatives from the Ministry of Defence to witness the company’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment and opportunity for those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces and their families.

Pete Crawford, President of ESCO Maritime Solutions, led the signing and shared his personal reflections on the importance of the pledge:

“At ESCO, we deeply value the skills, integrity, and resilience that Armed Forces personnel bring to the workplace,” said Crawford. “Signing the Covenant is our way of formally recognising that contribution and committing to a culture that supports veterans, Reservists, and military families, not just today, but every day.”

Joining the ceremony as senior military representative was Commodore Tris Kirkwood OBE ADC, Naval Regional Commander for Wales, Western England and the Channel Islands, who co-signed the Covenant on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

“It’s inspiring to see companies like ESCO Maritime Solutions step forward with such a clear and genuine commitment to the Armed Forces community,” said Commodore Kirkwood. “Their pledge today sends a powerful message – that those who serve are valued, respected, and supported not just in uniform, but throughout their civilian careers as well.”

Also speaking at the event was Colonel (Retd) Mike Sykes OBE, Chair of the ESCO Armed Forces Network, who highlighted the significance of the Covenant from within the organisation:

“This Covenant is more than just a signature, it’s a statement of intent,” said Colonel Sykes. “At ESCO, we’re building a culture where service leavers, Reservists and their families are not only welcomed but empowered to thrive. The Armed Forces Network is here to ensure that support is real, practical, and lasting.”

ESCO’s commitment was further underscored by its recent achievement of the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, acknowledging the company’s proactive support for Defence personnel.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re not stopping at Bronze,” Pete Crawford added. “Our sights are firmly set on Silver and Gold. We’re building a workplace where the Armed Forces community can thrive, and we’re excited to continue that journey.”

The Armed Forces Covenant signing marks a significant milestone in ESCO’s journey to becoming a leading defence-friendly employer in the maritime sector. The company now plans to expand its veteran recruitment initiatives, enhance Reservist support policies, and engage in community outreach programmes aligned with Covenant principles.

For more information about ESCO Maritime Solutions and its Armed Forces Covenant pledge, visit www.escomaritime.com.

Learn more about how your organisation could support the Armed Forces community.

Published 03/12/25

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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 Back Centre – and celebrated employers who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Defence people and principles.

The awards were presented by Commodore Tristram Kirkwood OBE RN, Naval Regional Commander for Wales, the West of England and Channel Islands.

2025 Gold Award winners

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 University NHS Foundation Trust

• 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

Guests were treated to an impressive performance by The Band of the Mercian Regiment, with support from local Cosford-based Reservists from No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, who helped bring the evening to life.

Adding inspiration to the evening, members of the Invictus Games Team UK joined the event once again, sharing how their involvement with the Games and the power of sport has supported their personal recovery journeys.

Recognising exceptional support

Colonel Francis Acton VR, Chair at West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA), who led the event, said:

“I was delighted to lead the team from West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association hosting the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards in the wonderful setting of Lilleshall House last Thursday evening. The Gold level is highest and most demanding step open to employers who demonstrate through their policies and practice exceptional levels of support to members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. The evening also included a brief on the Invictus Games 2027, a three course dinner, and entertainment from the Band of the Mercian Regiment.

It was a privilege to be able to meet and recognise the achievements of nineteen employers from the West Midland region, alongside the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, senior members of the Armed Forces and community representatives. We were fortunate to have Commodore Tristram Kirkwood OBE RN with us to present the awards, and Colonel Lorna Ward to act as the MC for the evening.

My congratulations to all the Gold Award winners, and we look forward to further work with them in the future to maintain and build on their outstanding support.”

One of this year’s awardees, Michelle Alli, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHC) Chief Governance Officer and Armed Forces Community Lead, said: 

“I am extremely proud that BCHC’s commitment to supporting our Armed Forces community is being recognised with this prestigious Gold Award, which will mean so much to all involved. The award is a tribute to the hard work from many people and our close partnership working. 

“We believe it is vitally important that we create access for the Armed Forces community to employment opportunities within the NHS, where there is so much scope to match people and skills. We look forward to continuing to work with the community to create more opportunities and support successful working futures for individuals.”

What the Gold Award represents

The Gold Award is the Ministry of Defence’s highest level of recognition for employers who go above and beyond to support the Armed Forces community within their workforce and beyond.

To achieve Gold status, organisations must:

• Offer at least 10 extra paid days’ leave for Reservists.

• Have supportive HR policies for veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and spouses/partners of Service personnel.

• Advocate for Defence by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

To learn more about how your organisation can support Defence people and benefit from the Employer Recognition Scheme, visit www.wmrfca.org/employers

To see which organisations have pledged their support through the Armed Forces Covenant, visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk

Published 24/10/2025

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