Employers from across the UK have been recognised with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for their outstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

The ERS Gold Award recognises employers demonstrating exceptional and sustained support for the Armed Forces community and 162 employers have been recognised nationally.

Organisations from a wide range of sectors are acknowledged for championing Reservists, veterans, military families and the Cadet movement. Awards reinforce the vital role employers play in strengthening the UK’s resilience, skills and national security.

Twenty South West employers have received the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the Ministry of Defence’s highest recognition for organisations that demonstrate outstanding support for the armed forces community.

Now in its twelfth year, the ERS Gold Award continues to celebrate employers that go beyond their Armed Forces Covenant commitments by embedding forces-friendly policies, advocating for defence and creating inclusive workplaces where veterans, Reservists, military families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers can thrive.

This year’s recipients from across the UK represent organisations of every size and from a broad range of industries, including finance, manufacturing, healthcare, education, construction, transport, professional services, retail, emergency services and local government. Together, they demonstrate the growing commitment of UK employers to recognising the skills, experience and values that members of the Armed Forces community bring to the workplace.

Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP said:

“For a veteran starting a new chapter, or a Reservist balancing two demanding roles, having an employer in your corner makes an enormous difference.

“These 162 organisations have gone out of their way to make veterans, Reservists and military families feel genuinely welcome and supported. I’m incredibly proud to recognise them today, and I hope their example inspires many more.”

To achieve Gold Award status, employers must demonstrate that they:

– provide at least 10 days’ additional paid leave for Reservists each year

– have supportive HR policies for reservists, service families, veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers

– actively promote the Armed Forces Covenant and encourage others to support defence

– demonstrate long-term, proactive commitment that exceeds the scheme’s baseline requirements

Gold Award holders play an important role in encouraging other organisations to strengthen their support for the Armed Forces community, helping to build a more inclusive workforce while supporting Defence’s people agenda and strengthening the nation’s resilience.

Sharon Johnston, People and Transformation Director South Western Railway / Wessex Route, said:

“Our railway and the Armed Forces share a longstanding and deep bond. From Salisbury Plain to Aldershot to Portsmouth, our network is rooted in service history and the communities shaped by it.

For many in the Armed Forces community, the railway is a natural career move. Colleagues with service backgrounds, including those in our SERVED Network, bring invaluable skills and experience to our business and the wider industry.

This Gold Award reflects our dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for service personnel and veterans, as proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant.”

Lindsay Compton, Founder and CEO of Canny Comms said:

“Achieving the Gold ERS award means a huge amount to all of us at Canny. Most of our team are part of the armed forces community ourselves, as spouses and family members of serving personnel, veterans and reservists. Supporting the forces is not a policy we adopted, it is who we are and how we live. We work exclusively in defence and security, so we see every day the calibre of people who serve and the value they bring. Gold recognises that this commitment runs right through the business, in how we hire, develop and champion the community we are part of. We are proud to stand alongside them, and this award encourages us to keep doing more.”

James Morgan, CEO of Logiq Consulting said:

“Achieving the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award is a significant milestone for Logiq and reflects our long-term commitment to the Armed Forces community. Operating across the Defence Sector, and as a champion of the Whole-Force approach, we recognise the exceptional skills, leadership and expertise that veterans, reservists and military families bring to Logiq and our clients. Supporting the Armed Forces community is embedded in our culture, where we aim to foster an environment where service experience is valued and celebrated. While we are incredibly proud to be recognised at the Gold standard, this is not the finish line. We remain committed to growing our support through new initiatives, stronger partnerships and expanded opportunities that create lasting positive impact for the Armed Forces community.”

The twenty South West employers 2026 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award recipients are:

Canny Comms Ltd
Chamois Consulting Limited
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust
Elbit Systems UK Ltd
Escape The Village
Helyx Secure Information Systems Ltd
Immersive Labs Ltd
Logiq Consulting
Occam Group Limited
Planned Link Ltd
QCC Global Ltd
Rivencore Global Solutions
Shield Reply Limited
Torbay Council
Triple Threat Security Ltd
Turnbull Infrastructure & Utilities Ltd
WBL Services Ltd
Whitetree Group Ltd
Your Eco Construction Ltd