Businesses supporting the Armed Forces community
The Reserve Forces and Cadet Association of Yorkshire and the Humber is pleased to announce that a record number of organisations from the region have achieved ‘Gold’ in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). Sixteen employers from Yorkshire and the Humber have received the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour, which recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting the Armed Forces community. They join a total of 202 organisations nationwide who have also received this award this year.
The regional winners
From Yorkshire and the Humber, the organisations recognised for 2025 Gold ERS are:
- Adler & Allan
- AESSEAL
- Awaking Giants
- Beyond Housing
- GEV Wind Power
- Gough & Kelly
- KH Plant Training
- Kirklees Metropolitan Council
- Military Community Veterans Centre
- NHS Humber & North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
- Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
- Skipton Building Society
- Saint Catherine’s Hospice
- Viking Arms
- Wakefield Council
- West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
They will be celebrated at an awards event in York on 14 November 2025.
The national picture, 2025
More than 200 employers – from FTSE 100 companies and emergency services, to local councils and high street names – have been recognised for their exceptional support to the Armed Forces community. These Gold Award winners show that supporting Defence is not just the right thing to do, it also makes strong business sense.
Since its launch in 2014, the Gold Award has become the highest badge of honour for employers who champion veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families in the workplace. This year’s winners demonstrate the power of values-led leadership, creating more inclusive, resilient, and dynamic organisations.
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said:
“Employers are crucial partners in protecting our security and boosting the economy. By backing veterans, Reservists, military families, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and the Cadet movement, these organisations build resilient communities and the innovation Defence needs. I congratulate them and thank them for their outstanding commitment.”
About Gold ERS
To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists, 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.
They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme.
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 ERS consists of three award levels – bronze, silver and gold. Each level indicates an organisation’s commitment and involvement to offer support programmes that align with the scheme’s framework. The main objective of the scheme is for employers to endorse their employees who are military personnel (current, former and associated) and enable development opportunities that support their current or past duty to the forces with their civilian employment. The scheme also encourages the overall support of the general armed forces community.
Why being a forces-friendly employer matters – statements from selected 2025 Gold ERS employers
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 and 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 adult cadet volunteers.”
At Adler and Allan, we believe in going beyond words to take real, impactful action. We have implemented dedicated policies that support our reservist employees and recognise the valuable contributions of adult cadet 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 are incredibly pleased to receive this award that shows our continual support for the Armed Forces Covenant.”
My heartfelt thanks go to the RFCA YH regional employer engagement team for their continuous support and guidance to our company and me over the past five years who have been an absolute delight to work with; they helped us through the process and gave us invaluable insight into how to better support veterans and reservists. I cannot truly express my thanks to them both.”
Learn more about signing the AFC and joining ERS
RFCA YH Employer Engagement Team is available to discuss ERS applications for your organisation. Please email [email protected] for information.