Employer Recognition Scheme

Shining the spotlight on our region’s Defence-friendly employers.

Members of the Armed Forces Community bring huge benefits to the companies they work for. Our aim is to ensure that this is not only recognised, but celebrated.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – often abbreviated to ERS – shines a light on organisations that go the extra mile to provide Defence colleagues with supportive working environments.

From additional paid leave for Reservists, to flexible leave arrangements for Military Spouses, the scheme gives credit to those who truly embrace their Military colleagues.

Underpinning it all is the Armed Forces Covenant and the overarching notion that no member of the Defence community should be disadvantaged in their civilian employment.

A valuable asset to any employer.

Providing a welcoming and supportive working environment to Reservists, Service Leavers and Cadet Volunteers makes great business sense.

An ability to remain calm under pressure, to lead a team through tricky situations, or even specialist skills like HGV driving or leadership are all things learnt during service or voluntary work that can prove to be a great asset for employers.

We estimate that, across their time with the Ministry of Defence, Reservists receive training which would cost an organisation some £10,000 – £18,000 to replicate.

Are you an Armed Forces-friendly employer?

The Employer Recognition Scheme gives organisations the chance to demonstrate the support they give to those in the Armed Forces Community and encourages them to share the benefits with others.

There are three tiers to the scheme:

Bronze Awards

…are presented to employers who state their intent to support Defence personnel. All recipients will receive an electronic certificate and a logo that can be displayed on their website/promotional materials. They will also be listed on the Government’s website.

Silver Awards

…are presented to those who then demonstrate their support. As well as the benefits given to Bronze winners, they will also be invited to a regional awards ceremony.

Gold Awards

…are saved for the most extraordinary Armed Forces supporters who do all of the above and become advocates for the support of Defence personnel. They receive their award at a high-profile ceremony.

Why enter the Employer Recognition Scheme?

The scheme is the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour for Armed Forces-friendly organisations. Participation helps demonstrate the depth of your commitment and comes with a number of benefits to your organisation:

A better understanding of how to support your employees.

Working through the awards process encourages you to consider, challenge and adapt HR policies and practices that help you to gain, retain and maximise the skills of Defence people with your company.

Improved recruitment.

Award recipients can use the highly recognisable Employer Recognition Scheme branding in their promotional material, helping to catch the eye of job-seeking Service Leavers and Reservists who recognise what the logo means.

You’ll be in great company.

East Midlands holders of the Silver and Gold Awards include Alstom, Boots, Caterpillar UK, Experian, Toyota, Travis Perkins and the University of Nottingham. A full list of every award winner (filtered by region) can be found here.

Awards ceremonies and exclusive events.

All Silver and Gold Award recipients are invited to attend a special ceremony to mark their achievements. Recent events have seen guests invited to venues like the National Space Centre, the Officers’ Mess at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, the Churchill War Rooms and the National Memorial Arboretum. See more in these videos from our 2024 Silver Awards and 2023 Gold Awards.

Award winners are also invited to a range of events throughout the year that demonstrate the value of hiring Defence personnel and enable learning from other organisations’ good practice.

Publicity and recognition.

Every winner is provided with a toolkit to help celebrate wins on your organisation’s own channels and secure coverage in the media.

How do we enter the Employer Recognition Scheme?

Entry to all the awards is free but the application process differs for each level:

Bronze:

You can self-nominate your organisation and the window for nominations is open all year round. Use this link to complete your application.

Silver and Gold:

Visit the Government’s website to find out when this year’s nomination window opens. Full criteria for applicants for each level can also be found here.

When a nomination has been validated, it will be considered by a selection board at either a regional level for Silver Awards or national level for Gold Awards. These boards, chaired by a senior military officer, consider each nomination against the award criteria. Successful organisations will be notified in writing.

Email to find out more

Case study: Pall-Ex

“Working with the Armed Forces Community created an opportunity to bring highly-skilled people into the workplace”

Leicestershire-based logistics firm Pall-Ex have long been enthusiastic supporters of the Armed Forces Community.

In 2022 they were recognised with the coveted Gold Award for their excellence as a Forces-friendly employer.

As well as being great advocates for our community they also provide Reservist employees with at least 10 days’ additional leave for training, fully paid. The firm also won ‘Livery of the Year Award’ at the 2023 Motorsport Awards for the Armed Forces Covenant livery it has wrapped around three trucks.

Kevin Buchanan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Pall-Ex, said: “The sector has been in the midst of a skills shortage for a number of years now which has led us to look at alternative ways we could get the best people into our business and maintain our high standards.

“We recognised the skills Military and ex-Military personnel brought to the table were well suited to logistics careers. Working with the Armed Forces Community and listening to their needs created an opportunity to bring highly-skilled people into the workplace who would help to propel us forward on our journey to excellence”.

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A group of professionally dressed drone company employees in smart suits holding a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award and smiling at the camera.

12th March 2026