News

July 12th 2023

Organisations including Alstom, Northamptonshire Police and Toyota Manufacturing UK have been recognised for showing outstanding support and advocacy for the Armed Forces community.

Across the country, a total of 193 organisations have today been awarded a Ministry of Defence Gold Award.

The scheme, launched in 2013, is the highest badge of honour for those who employ – and support – military personnel, service leavers, and their families.

Organisations are only eligible to apply for the Ministry of Defence Gold Award after signing the Armed Forces Covenant and achieving the Silver Award in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

On top of that, they must proactively demonstrate their Forces-friendly credentials as part of their recruiting and selection processes. They must also, amongst other policies, provide their Reservists with at least 10 days of additional paid leave for training.

Benefits to the workplace

Dr Andrew Murrison, Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, said: “I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s Awards.

“I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a Gold Award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.”

Bruce Spencer, Regional Employer Engagement Director, East Midlands RFCA, added: “The positive support from employers in the East Midlands, particularly for Reserves, Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, has generated considerable momentum. The East Midlands can be proud of the support these employers show to the Defence community.

“Likeminded businesses who are not currently part of the Employer Recognition Scheme can do so by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.”

Businesses react

Nick Crossfield, Managing Director for rolling stock manufacturer Alstom UK & Ireland, said: “Achieving the Gold Award for the Armed Forces Covenant is a remarkable achievement, and we are dedicated to using this recognition as a catalyst to further enhance our support for the military community and create meaningful opportunities for their transition and growth.”

Andy Disney, Finance Director of Fred Sherwood Group, added: “Receiving the Gold Award is a huge honour for the Fred Sherwood Group.

“We understand the value that Reservists, ex-Regulars and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers bring to our workplace and can see the benefits of motivation, leadership, self-discipline and communication that they bring to our organisation and would recommend all businesses of any size to follow our example of achieving the award at any level.”

The full list of winners, by county, is as follows:

Nottinghamshire

• Campbell Cain Wealth Management
• Gleeds
• Nottinghamshire Police

Northamptonshire

• Northamptonshire Police
• West Northamptonshire Council

Derbyshire

• Alstom
• Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Rail Operations Group
• Toyota Manufacturing UK
• Wescom Group

Lincolnshire

• SRC UK
• United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Leicestershire

• Everyone Health
• Fred Sherwood Group

EDIT: Recipients were presented with their Gold Awards at a high-profile ceremony in October.