Celebrating Our Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award for Armed Forces Covenant 2026

We are proud to announce that we have been honoured with the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award for 2026. This achievement recognises our commitment to supporting the armed forces community and aligning our values with the Armed Forces Covenant. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers across the UK to show their support for defence personnel, veterans, and their families. Receiving the Silver Award highlights our dedication to this cause and sets a benchmark for others to follow.

What the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award Means

The Employer Recognition Scheme has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level reflects the degree of commitment and support an organisation provides to the defence community. The Silver Award recognises organisations that have gone beyond the initial pledge to actively demonstrate support and advocate for defence personnel.

Achieving the Silver Award means we have:

• Made tangible efforts to support employees who serve or have served in the armed forces

• Promoted the values of the Armed Forces Covenant within our organisation

• Encouraged other employers to recognise and support defence personnel

• Created policies and practices that help reservists, veterans, and their families thrive in the workplace

  
  

This award is a public acknowledgment of our ongoing efforts to build a supportive and inclusive environment for those connected to the armed forces.

How We Supported the Armed Forces Community

Our journey to the Silver Award involved several key initiatives designed to support defence personnel and their families:

• Flexible Leave for Reservists

We introduced flexible leave policies that allow reservist employees to attend training and deployment without penalty or loss of income.

• Veteran Recruitment Programmes

We actively recruit veterans by partnering with local armed forces charities and job centres specialising in veteran employment.

• Awareness and Training Sessions

Our management team and staff participate in regular training to understand the challenges faced by service members and how to support them effectively.

• Community Engagement

We sponsor local events and charities that support military families, helping to strengthen ties between our organisation and the defence community.

These actions demonstrate our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and ensure that our support is meaningful and practical.

Sharing Our Achievement with the Community

Publicising our Silver Award is important to raise awareness and inspire other employers to follow suit. Here are some ways we have shared this achievement:

• Social Media Announcement

We posted on Twitter and LinkedIn using the hashtag #ERSSilver26 to join the national conversation and connect with Defence Relationship Management (DRM) accounts.

• Internal Communications

We informed all employees through newsletters and meetings, highlighting the importance of the award and what it means for our workplace culture.

• Website Update

Our website now features a dedicated page explaining the ERS and our commitment to the armed forces community.

• Press Release

We issued a press release to local media outlets to share our story and encourage other organisations to participate in the scheme.

By sharing our success, we hope to encourage more employers to recognise the value of supporting defence personnel.

How Other Employers Can Achieve the Silver Award

If your organisation is considering applying for the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award, here are some practical steps to help you prepare:

• Make a Public Pledge

Start by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and publicly committing to support defence personnel.

• Develop Supportive Policies

Create or update HR policies to accommodate reservists, veterans, and military families.

• Engage with the Defence Community

Build relationships with local armed forces charities, reservist units, and veteran organisations.

• Promote Awareness Internally

Educate your staff about the challenges faced by the armed forces community and how they can help.

• Track and Report Your Actions

Keep records of your initiatives and their impact to demonstrate your commitment during the application process.

The Silver Award recognises organisations that do more than just pledge support—they actively demonstrate it through meaningful actions.

Benefits of Supporting the Armed Forces Community

Supporting defence personnel is not only the right thing to do but also brings tangible benefits to organisations:

• Access to a Skilled Workforce

Veterans and reservists bring valuable skills such as leadership, discipline, and teamwork.

• Enhanced Reputation

Being recognised as a supportive employer improves your brand image and attracts talent.

• Stronger Employee Engagement

Supporting colleagues with military connections fosters loyalty and a positive workplace culture.

• Community Impact

Your organisation contributes to the wellbeing of service members and their families, strengthening social ties.

These benefits create a win-win situation for both employers and the armed forces community.

Next Steps for Our Organisation

Winning the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award motivates us to continue improving our support for defence personnel. Our plans include:

• Working towards the Gold Award by expanding our initiatives and advocacy efforts

• Increasing collaboration with armed forces charities and local reservist units

• Enhancing training programmes for managers and staff

• Collecting feedback from our armed forces employees to better understand their needs

  
  

We are committed to maintaining and growing our role as a supportive employer for the defence community.

Over 300 employers recognised with Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for supporting the armed forces community - GOV.UK