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Celebrating Our Silver Award Win in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme
- Ashley Ward
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
We are proud to announce that we have been awarded the Silver Award in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). This achievement comes just months after receiving the Bronze Award, marking a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to supporting those who have served in the military. The Silver Award recognises employers who go beyond symbolic support and embed meaningful initiatives into their workplace culture, policies, and leadership.
What the Silver Award Means
The Armed Forces Covenant ERS Silver Award is given to organisations that demonstrate sustained and active support for the armed forces community. This includes Reservists, veterans, members of the Cadet movement, and military families. Unlike the Bronze Award, which recognises initial commitment, the Silver Award highlights employers who have embedded support into their everyday operations.
Recipients of the Silver Award show leadership in areas such as:
Offering additional leave for reservist training and mobilisation
Implementing veteran-friendly recruitment and retention policies
Providing flexible support for military families
Actively promoting the Armed Forces Covenant within the organisation
This award confirms that our efforts are not just symbolic gestures but real, practical support that benefits those who serve and have served.
Our Journey from Bronze to Silver
Just a few months ago, we celebrated receiving the Bronze Award, which recognised our initial steps in supporting the armed forces community. Since then, we have taken concrete actions to deepen our commitment:
Enhanced Leave Policies: We introduced additional paid leave specifically for reservists to attend training or deployment without worrying about their civilian job.
Veteran Recruitment Drives: We launched targeted recruitment campaigns to attract veterans, recognising the unique skills and discipline they bring.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Understanding the demands on military families, we implemented flexible working hours and remote work options.
Leadership Engagement: Our senior leaders actively endorse and promote the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring it remains a priority across all departments.
These initiatives helped us meet the criteria for the Silver Award and demonstrate our dedication to creating a supportive environment.
Why Supporting the Armed Forces Community Matters
Supporting those who have served in the military is not only a moral responsibility but also a practical advantage for employers. Reservists and veterans bring valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving. By fostering an inclusive workplace that recognises their contributions, organisations benefit from a diverse and capable workforce.
Military families also face unique challenges, including frequent relocations and deployments. Providing flexible support helps reduce stress and improves employee wellbeing, which in turn boosts productivity and loyalty.
Our Silver Award win reflects our belief that supporting the armed forces community strengthens both individuals and the organisation as a whole.
Examples of Our Support in Action
To illustrate how we put our commitment into practice, here are some specific examples:
Reservist Leave: One of our employees, a reservist, was able to take paid leave to participate in a critical training exercise without any loss of income or job security.
Veteran Mentoring: We established a mentoring programme where veterans guide new hires through their transition to civilian roles, helping them adjust and thrive.
Family Support Networks: We created an internal support group for military families to share resources, advice, and emotional support.
Visible Leadership: Our CEO regularly speaks about the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant at company events, reinforcing the message that support is a core value.
These actions show how our policies translate into real benefits for the armed forces community.
The Broader Impact of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
The Ministry of Defence recently announced that 331 organisations across the UK received the ERS Silver Award for 2026. This growing number reflects a nationwide effort to support the armed forces community in meaningful ways. Major General Marc Overton praised these employers for recognising the value Reservists, veterans, and military families bring to the workforce.
Being part of this group motivates us to continue improving and sharing best practices with other employers. Together, we can create a culture where those who serve are respected, supported, and given every chance to succeed.
What’s Next for Us
Winning the Silver Award is a milestone, not a finish line. We are already planning the next steps to deepen our support:
Expanding veteran recruitment to include more roles and departments
Increasing training for managers on the needs of Reservists and military families
Developing partnerships with military charities and support organisations
Exploring ways to support Cadet movement members within our community
Our goal is to maintain and eventually achieve the Gold Award, which recognises exceptional leadership and innovation in supporting the armed forces community.
Our Silver Award win is a clear sign of our dedication to helping those who served in the military succeed in civilian life. We will keep building on this foundation to create a workplace where everyone connected to the armed forces feels valued and supported.
If you want to learn more about how we support Reservists, veterans, and military families, or if you are interested in joining our team, please get in touch. Together, we can make a difference.
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