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DEFENCE EMPLOYER RECOGNITION SCHEME GOLD AWARD - 5 North East employers have been awarded the Ministry of Defence’s highest recognition for organisations that demonstrate outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.
We are delighted to announce that 162 employers across the UK have been recognised for going above and beyond for the Armed Forces community, and 5 of these organisations are from the North East. Our congratulations go to all, but especially to:
Durham Constabulary Headquarters
The Spark Labs
Northumbrian Water
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
Draeger Safety UK Ltd
We look forward to celebrating with our ‘local’ recipients at the Royal Salute in York on 14 November 2026, marking His Majesty the King’s Birthday, when they will be formally presented with their Gold Awards.
Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP said:
"For a veteran starting a new chapter, or a Reservist balancing two demanding roles, having an employer in your corner makes an enormous difference.
“These 162 organisations have gone out of their way to make veterans, Reservists and military families feel genuinely welcome and supported. I'm incredibly proud to recognise them today, and I hope their example inspires many more."
Matthew Bedford, Managing Director - Sales and Service Division, Draeger UKI said:
“I am delighted that Draeger Safety UK has achieved Gold Level Accreditation as part of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) Employer Recognition Scheme. This prestigious award recognises our long-standing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, from employing and developing veterans and reservists to investing in cadet programmes, volunteering initiatives, and military charities and events. We are incredibly proud of the role we play in recognising the skills and dedication of those who serve or have served, and their families. This achievement reflects our values as an organisation and our commitment to making a meaningful and lasting difference to the Armed Forces community”.
Brigadier Paul Baker, Chief Executive NE RFCA said:
“There has always been great support for the Armed Forces within the North East of England but the growing number of companies prepared to publicly demonstrate this support is truly heartening, especially in such challenging times. These Employer Recognition Scheme awards are a recognition of the backing and encouragement these companies provide to their employees who are also Reservists, Adult Volunteers within the Cadet Forces, Veterans and their families. Thank you, and very well done to you all.”
A full list of the 2026 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award recipients can be found here.
Find out more about ERS and its criteria here.