Employers from around East Anglia last month received the highest honour the Ministry of Defence bestows for supporting the Armed Forces community.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) features three tiers of awards: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Gold Awards are of course the top tier, earned by organisations showing exemplary backing to veterans, reservists, cadet forces adult volunteers and their families.
Gold Award winners—including companies, public bodies and charities—not only show a high level of support for the defence community but advocate that fellow employers follow suit.
On their journey to winning Gold, the best ERS participants actively engage with their peers, encouraging robust and sustained backing for armed forces personnel, reservists, veterans and their families through recruitment and HR policies in particular.
Employers’ efforts to champion members of the defence community have led to tangible positive outcomes for defence personnel, partner organisations, suppliers, and customers. Moreover, the skills those people bring to employers can benefit their operations too.
Nine of the 2024 Gold recipients are based in East Anglia. They are:
- Anglia Ruskin University
- A.P. Security (APS) Ltd
- Bedford Borough Council
- Defence Leaders
- Marlborough Highways
- Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace Ltd
- North Norfolk District Council
- Smiths Detection
- Spicerhaart Group
Craig Austin (above) is Director of Environment at Bedford Borough Council. He recalls: “I didn’t expect being a civilian would be as difficult as it was after leaving the Army, my regiment, friends and fellow guardsmen
“As an ex-service member I’m delighted that the Ministry of Defence has recognised our dedication to the Armed Forces community…We deeply appreciate the significant sacrifices made by service personnel and their families, and it’s only fitting that we offer our full support both during their service and beyond.”
Harry Macleod (above) left the British Army in 2013 and is now Defence Director at Defence Leaders in Chelmsford, Essex. Harry explained: “We endeavour to interview and employ Service Leavers and I have acted as a mentor for several in their journeys outside of the Armed Forces.
“Our leave policy and deployment support, plus our support to military operations via our events makes it a hugely rewarding place to work.”
With their Gold Awards presentation behind them, employers continue to see the benefits of working with the Armed Forces community.
Matthew Revell, Managing Director at Marlborough Highways, also in Chelmsford, said: “We deeply value the skills and experience that service leavers, veterans, and reservists contribute to our business, and we are dedicated to providing the support they need to thrive in their careers.
“It is our privilege to offer opportunities for growth and success to those who have served our country, and we remain committed to supporting them in their civilian careers.”
Roland Carter is CEO of Smiths Detection, based in Watford. Roland (pictured above with Head of Global Training at Smiths, Charlotte Warren) said: “We take great pride in creating an inclusive environment for veterans, reservists, and military families, recognising the skills they bring to the workplace.
“[In turn] our commitment to supporting Defence Personnel strengthens our organisation by fostering a culture of respect, diversity, and excellence.”
Nationwide, nearly 500 employers currently hold an ERS Gold Award, including previous years’ winners.
The Government’s Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns, said: “Our Armed Forces Community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace.
“Their continued support ensures that our Armed Forces Community are given the opportunities needed to flourish.”
Martyn Fulcher, Director of Place and Climate Change at North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), is just one example of how veterans can flourish in a Gold Award winning organisation.
Martyn said: “Since leaving the RAF and making the transition from military to civilian life, I have felt fully supported and respected at NNDC. I have also observed with pride the tremendous efforts given to supporting Veterans and Reservists, and the high regard shown to all those from a military background also entering civilian life.”
RFCA Regional Employer Engagement Director Kristina Carrington added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to host our Gold Award winners at the Churchill War Rooms. What an appropriate setting to celebrate their commitment to our Armed Forces.”