The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Yorkshire and the Humber (RFCA YH) celebrated a record number of organisations from the region for achieving ‘Gold’ in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Sixteen employers from Yorkshire and the Humber received the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour, recognising their outstanding support for the Armed Forces community. At a reception held on Friday 14 November 2025 at the De Grey Rooms in York, the sixteen Yorkshire and the Humber recipients, along with eight employers from the North of England, were presented with certificates by their respective county Lord-Lieutenants and Major General Robert Hedderwick, General Officer Commanding 1 (UK) Division. Prior to the awards reception, the employers were VIP guests at York’s Royal Salute in Museum Gardens honouring the birthday of His Majesty The King.
The 2025 Gold ERS recipients are among 202 organisations nationwide to receive this award in 2025.
The Regional Winners
From Yorkshire and the Humber and North England, the Lord-Lieutenants presented certificates to the following 2025 Gold ERS Award winners:
Winners presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Johanna Ropner:
- Adler & Allan
- Beyond Housing
- Saint Catherine’s Hospice
- Skipton Building Society
- Viking Arms
County Durham, winners presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland, Dr Caroline Pryer (presenting in absence HM Lord-Lieutenant of Durham, Dame Sue Snowdon DCVO):
- Resource Management Solutions
- RelyOn Nutec UK
- Triton Risk Management
- Zero78 Training
Winners presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Jim Dick OBE:
- GEV Wind Power
- NHS Humber & North Yorkshire ICB
Winners presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE:
- AESSEAL
- Awaking Giants
- KH Plant Training
- Military Community Veterans Centre (MCVC)
- Rotherham, Doncaster & South Humber NHS Trust
Winners presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, Ms Lucy Winskell OBE
- Northumbria Police
- Sunderland AFC and The Foundation of Light
- Together for Children Sunderland
- UK Docks Marine Services
Winners presented HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson CBE
- Gough & Kelly
- Kirklees Council
- Wakefield Council
- West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue
Why being a forces-friendly employer matters
Ryan Stockwell, Senior Recruitment Business Partner, Adler & Allan, said:
“We are incredibly proud and honoured to have received the Ministry of Defence’s Gold Award from the Employer Recognition Scheme. This recognition is a significant milestone for Adler & Allan, reflecting our deep commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. It stands as a testament to the values we uphold and the meaningful work we continue to do in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for service leavers, veterans, spouses, Reservists, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
“At Adler & Allan, we believe in going beyond words to take real, impactful action. We have implemented dedicated policies to support our Reservist employees and recognise the valuable contributions of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Through these initiatives, we aim to provide career development opportunities and a workplace culture that honours the unique experiences and skills of those who serve. Winning this award not only celebrates what we have achieved but also motivates us to continue building on this strong foundation of support and respect for our Armed Forces community.”
Richard Cuff, Assistant Director, Gough & Kelly Security, said:
“Being awarded the Defence ERS Gold Award is a true privilege. The Gough & Kelly team is incredibly pleased to receive this award, which reflects our continued support for the Armed Forces Covenant. My heartfelt thanks go to the regional employer engagement team for their continuous support and guidance to our company and me over the past five years. They have been an absolute delight to work with, helping us through the process and providing invaluable insight into how to better support veterans and Reservists. I cannot express my thanks to them enough.”
About the Gold ERS
To win a Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days’ leave for employees who are Reservists to cover their deployments and training and have supportive HR policies in place for Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces. The Defence ‘Gold’ Employer Recognition Scheme, delivered by Defence Relationship Management, has over 800 holders nationwide. Organisations must reapply every five years to retain their Gold Award status.
The RFCA YH Employer Engagement Team is available to discuss ERS applications for your organisation. Please email Pauline King, Defence Relationship Manager at [email protected] or go to www.rfca-yorkshire.org.uk/employers for more information about the Armed Forces Covenant, Employer Recognition Scheme and how to get involved.
View a selection of photos from the event on our Galleries page.