Congratulations to the 21 new Silver Award holders across East Anglia who have earned recognition at the penultimate tier of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
These employers are part of a national cohort of 311 organisations acknowledged by the Ministry of Defence for their outstanding commitment to the Defence community.
Each of these organisations, which include charities and public sector bodies as well as private enterprise, have done more than sign a pledge. They have made real, tangible changes to their workplace policies and culture — helping to ensure that reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers and their families feel genuinely valued, not just in words but in practice.
From providing additional leave for reservist training and mobilisation to actively recruiting veterans and supporting military spouses, these organisations are showing just what it means to act as a trusted partner to Defence. In today’s increasingly uncertain world, that partnership matters more than ever.
Strong links between Defence and civilian employers don’t just benefit individuals — they help build a more resilient nation.
At East Anglia RFCA, championing this kind of commitment is one of the key “pillars” of our work, connecting Defence with society across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Great news like this demonstrates just how much that connection is taking root, with Silver winners from each and every county in the region.
Our Head of Engagement, Paul Gilham, said: “Very well done to all our Silver Award winners. We’re incredibly proud of the hard work they put into securing this important measure of their commitment to our Armed Forces, commitment that makes a real difference to the lives of reservists, service leavers and cadet force adult volunteers in East Anglia, as well as their families.
“The skills, discipline and dedication that people from the Armed Forces community bring to the workplace can be invaluable for their employers. It’s exciting to see so many organisations recognising that, here and across the country.”
East Anglia’s new Silver Award holders are:
- Arjo UK Ltd
- Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
- Colchester Foodbank
- Communities 1st
- East Hertfordshire District Council
- East Suffolk Council
- Elite Academy of Security Training
- Fenland District Council
- Haskoning UK Ltd
- Huntington Town Council
- Kindred FM
- London Asbestos Removals Ltd
- Norwich City Community Sports Foundation
- Ocado Group PLC
- Saffron Housing
- Smith Myers Communications Ltd
- Stonbury Ltd
- Suzaku Consulting Ltd
- Vantage Professional Services
- X Adventure Activities
Each of these organisations is now eligible to apply for the Gold Award — the highest accolade in the Employer Recognition Scheme, recognising employers who go above and beyond to advocate for Defence across their sectors and supply chains. Watch this space for our Gold Award announcements, coming soon.
If your organisation would like to start its own “Partnering with Defence” journey — working towards the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards — we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with our Employer Engagement team today, or visit the dedicated Employer Engagement page on our website to find out more.
