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 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

  • Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation 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