Defence ERS Silver Award

As we celebrate the beginning of Armed Forces Week 2025, we are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.

The ERS Silver Award recognises employers who have shown exceptional support to the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, Veterans and military families.

We have been praised for going above and beyond the commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant to embed supportive HR policies, promote defence values, and advocate for service personnel in our workforce.

The Silver Award signifies our unwavering commitment to the Forces community as one of only 307 organisations to obtain the accolade.

To receive this recognition, we were able to evidence our action on the following:

Paid leave for Reservist training and mobilisation
Active Veteran recruitment and retention policies
Flexible support for military families
Visible leadership endorsement of the Armed Forces Covenant

Ex-Forces personnel and their families are supported by us from the beginning of their employment through our buddying system, where they are matched with another colleague with Forces experience.

We also have a Veterans network, which acts as an advisory to the Board to feedback on how we can continue to support the Forces community, which is Sponsored by our CEO, Neil Martin. The group’s input has been invaluable towards many of the improvements reflected in our silver status, putting colleagues’ suggestions and lived experience at the forefront of the agenda.

We are also a strategic partner of BuildForce, a nationwide initiative that supports the ex-military community into long-term trade and professional careers in construction and the built environment.

“We are thrilled to see our support for the Armed Forces community formally recognised with a Silver Award by the Ministry of Defence. This marks a proud, latest step, in our association with and support of the Armed Forces, which extends right back to before World War Two.
Mike Hickson, Managing Director of Defence

“We have a burgeoning group of ex-service personnel with a tremendous amount of skills and experience to offer the construction industry, and we will continue to provide those returning to civvy street with everything they need to thrive in the next stage of their careers.”
Mike Hickson, Managing Director of Defence

Major General Jamie Gordon, Chief Executive of the Council of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations, said: “These Silver Award winners are trusted allies of defence. They don’t just talk about support—they show it, every day, through flexible policies, visible advocacy, and long-term commitment to those who serve.

“This is about more than good intentions, it’s about practical, sustained support that strengthens our national resilience. It is very pleasing that they have been recognised for all they do for our reservists, veterans and cadets.”

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