East Anglian employers’ gold-standard support of the Defence community was honoured under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme during a special ceremony aboard HMS Belfast this month.
East Anglia’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces was very much on display as 11 employers from across our region received their Gold Award. That’s is the highest badge of honour from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for organisations that champion the Defence community
The Gold awards ceremony took place aboard the iconic HMS Belfast, moored on London’s South Bank, on Thursday 6 November. The event brought senior leaders together from employers spanning healthcare, logistics, security, education and more—all united by their first-class support for reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers (CFAVs) and military families.
What Gold standard means
The Gold Award isn’t given lightly. To achieve it, employers must go well beyond standard practice in their industry, public service or charitable sector. They provide at least 10 days’ additional paid leave for Reserve Forces and make comprehensive HR policy changes to support veterans and CFAVs.
Gold winners are also expected to advocate for defence across their networks and sectors. Most importantly, these organisations demonstrate sustained commitment that far exceeds their legal requirements.
As Chris Lucas-Jones, managing director of Absolute Enforcement Ltd—one of this year’s winners—explained, “shared values, professionalism, integrity and the ability to deliver results in even the most challenging situations,” are what connect military experience with civilian success.
Chris emphasised added: “Supporting veterans is about more than offering employment. It’s about equipping them with the skills, confidence and ongoing support to thrive in civvy street.”
The Defence community advantage
These award-winning employers recognise something vital. Employing members of the Armed Forces community isn’t just the right thing to do—it brings genuine business benefits, too.
Military personnel bring nationally recognised qualifications to their workplace alongside invaluable transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and resilience—often proven in the most challenging environments.
John Kerrigan, CEO of Buffaload Logistics, said of the Defence community: “Their understanding of the military environment combined with a strong sense of duty, teamwork and resilience aligns perfectly with our values. We believe in fostering an inclusive culture where every individual feels respected and empowered.”
Justin Galliford, CEO of NORSE Group, highlighted similar qualities in the personnel he employs. He said: “We recognise various qualities that service personnel often possess in addition to their formal qualifications. Reliability, teamwork, and leadership make them strong additions to our business.”
Real impact, real lives
Behind every policy and pledge are real people whose lives are transformed by understanding employers offering gold-standard support of veterans, reservists and other Defence personnel.
David Smith, a High Court enforcement agent at Absolute Enforcement, explained: “After serving in the Royal Logistics Corps, moving to civvy street was a big change. Joining Absolute Enforcement made it far smoother—the structured timekeeping, clear route planning and professionalism reflected the discipline and values I knew.”
Patrick England, a current reservist at Buffaload Logistics, explained the practical difference: “Once starting my employment at Buffaload Logistics, I found out that my employer had signed the Armed Forces Covenant. As such they have given me extra days holiday to allow me to have more time with my reservist unit.”
The impact of Gold-level support extends beyond reservists to veterans finding their feet in civilian careers. Karen Smith, a school nurse at Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, reflected: “I didn’t find the transition from military life easy. I have, however been treated with compassion, understanding and been nurtured to bring out my best qualities.”
Supporting the whole Armed Forces family
This year’s Gold Award winners demonstrate impressive breadth in their support. Beyond working with reservists and veterans, many support CFAVs—volunteers who dedicate their time to developing young people through the Sea, Army and RAF Air Cadet movements.
Julie Bigg, IT manager at East Norfolk Multi Academy Trust, said: “My employer has been incredibly supportive of my role as a CFAV, giving me flexibility to attend training events, annual camp, and always showing interest in the work I do.”
Paul Macarthur, CEO of SGC Security Services, emphasised: “We recognise the unique skills, resilience, and leadership the Armed Forces community bring to our operations. The Gold Award formally recognises what we strive to do every day.”
Join the movement
The 2025 Gold Award winners join an impressive network of Defence-friendly employers across East Anglia. From global corporations to small businesses, NHS trusts to educational institutions, these organisations prove that supporting the Armed Forces community transcends sector and size.
Could your organisation offer gold-standard support of veterans and reservists? Whether you’re just beginning your journey by signing the Armed Forces Covenant or ready to pursue Silver or Gold recognition, East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association is here to support you. Together, we can ensure that those who serve—and have served—receive the recognition, opportunities and support they deserve.
To learn more about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme or progress on your organisation’s journey through it, visit www.earfca.co.uk or contact our Employer Engagement team.
The 2025 Gold Award winners are:
- Absolute Enforcement Ltd
- AM Specialists Group Ltd
- Buffaload Logistics
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust
- East Norfolk Multi Academy Trust
- Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
- NORSE Group
- Ramsay Health Care UK
- SGC Holdings Ltd trading as SGC Security Services
