Eleven organisations from across Yorkshire and the Humber have achieved the Ministry of Defence’s highest honour for employers. They have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award in recognition of their outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.
The organisations are among 162 employers across the UK to receive the award in 2026. The ERS Gold Award recognises employers that go above and beyond in supporting reservists, veterans, military families and cadet force adult volunteers.
Yorkshire and the Humber Gold Award recipients
The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Yorkshire and the Humber (RFCA YH) is delighted to congratulate this year’s regional Gold Award recipients:
- GVA Trees
- Help 4 Homeless Veterans
- Hull 4 Heroes
- Humberside Fire and Rescue Service
- LNER
- Northern Divers (Engineering) Ltd
- PPSS Group
- The Afghan Rug Shop Limited
- The Pink Link Ltd
- University of Hull
- York College and University Centre
These organisations have demonstrated exceptional and sustained support for the Armed Forces community, embedding forces-friendly policies within their workplaces while actively championing the Armed Forces Covenant.
What is the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award?
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award is the Ministry of Defence’s highest recognition for employers that demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Now in its twelfth year, the award recognises organisations that go beyond their Armed Forces Covenant commitments by creating inclusive workplaces where reservists, veterans, military families and cadet force adult volunteers can thrive.
To achieve Gold Award status, organisations must:
- Provide at least ten days’ additional paid leave each year for Reservists.
- Have supportive HR policies for reservists, veterans, military families and cadet force adult volunteers.
- Actively promote the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Encourage other organisations to support Defence and the Armed Forces community.
- Demonstrate a sustained commitment that exceeds the scheme’s baseline requirements.
National recognition for employers
This year, 162 employers from across the UK received the Gold Award, representing organisations of every size and from a broad range of sectors, including education, engineering, transport, emergency services, healthcare, construction, local government and professional services.
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.”
Regional employers celebrate Gold Award success
Richard Watson, Operations Manager, Northern Divers (Engineering) Ltd and a Commander in the Royal Fleet Reserve with over four decades of combined Regular and Reserve Royal Navy service, said:
“Northern Divers (Engineering) Ltd is delighted and deeply honoured to receive the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. It is a true privilege, and one that reflects the dedication of our entire team in demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces community. Receiving this award reinforces our belief that supporting those who serve is not simply a corporate responsibility but a fundamental part of our company ethos. We remain committed to providing meaningful employment opportunities and creating an environment in which reservists, veterans and adult cadet volunteers are recognised, supported and encouraged to thrive.”
“My heartfelt thanks go to the RFCA YH employer engagement team for their continuous support, professionalism and guidance over the past few years. They have been an absolute pleasure to work alongside and have provided invaluable advice throughout our ERS journey. Their expertise has enabled us to further strengthen our support for reservists, veterans and the wider armed forces community. I express my gratitude for their encouragement and commitment.”
Alan Gray TechIOSH AISEP, HSQE Manager at GVA Trees, said:
“Securing the 2026 ERS Gold Award is a fantastic moment for GVA. Over recent years we’ve worked hard to embed meaningful support for the Armed Forces community, and this recognition shows the impact of that commitment.
“We’re honoured to be acknowledged at the highest level.”
The Yorkshire and the Humber Gold Award recipients will be formally recognised at a regional awards ceremony in York on 14 November 2026.
Interested in supporting the armed forces community?
Organisations across Yorkshire and the Humber are encouraged to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and begin their journey through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The RFCA Yorkshire and the Humber Employer Engagement Team can provide advice and support to organisations looking to develop their support for the Armed Forces community.
To find out more, please email [email protected].