In the section...
GOLD AWARDS FOR NORTH EAST EMPLOYERS. Eight delighted employers from the NE RFCA region have been awarded the MOD’s ERS Gold Awards in recognition of their support to the Armed Forces community. The companies are:
Zero78 Training
Resource Management Solutions
UK Docks Marine Services
RelyOn Nutec UK
Triton Risk Management
Sunderland AFC and Foundation of Light
Northumbria Police
Together for Children Sunderland
Over 200 employers recognised with top Defence award for outstanding support to the Armed Forces community
- Scheme recognises employers who go above and beyond in supporting Defence to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve or have served.
- Gold Award highest is the badge of honour for employers who support the Armed Forces Community and uphold the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Announcements supports wider Defence transformation under the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy towards innovation, resilience, and sustainable industrial growth.
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, Al Cairns 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.”
To achieve Gold, employers must:
- Provide at least 10 days’ additional paid leave for Reservists
- Implement HR policies for veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
- Advocate for Defence across their networks and sectors
- Demonstrate sustained commitment well beyond the minimum requirements
These organisations lead by example, helping to shift national attitudes and raise standards across their sectors.
From global finance and property to healthcare, retail and local government, this year’s recipients highlight the growing range and depth of employer support.
Comments from just a few of our delighted NE employers follow:
Jase Smith, Lead Training Facilitator Zero 78 Training said:
“At Zero78 Training we are incredibly humbled to receive the Gold Award from the UK Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. This prestigious accolade reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, both in and beyond the workplace. Thank you to the Ministry of Defence for this recognition. We’re proud to support those who have and continue to serve and their families”.
Dan Taylor, Match-day Coordinator, Sunderland AFC and Foundation of Light, said:
“We are extremely proud to have received this award alongside the Foundation of Light. We have a deep connection to our armed forces, and this accolade highlights our commitment to recognising the service men and women who mean so much to our Club and our city, and we will continue to support this community.”
Graeme Wood, Head of Skills & Education at RelyOn, said:
“We are honoured to receive this prestigious award from the Ministry of Defence. We are committed to standing by the Armed Forces community at every stage—supporting their development while serving, and helping them to transition and thrive beyond their military careers. We are proud to be recognised as truly living the values of the Covenant.”
Brigadier Paul Baker, Chief Executive, North of England RFCA said:
“There has always been great support for the Armed Forces within the North East of England but the number of companies prepared to publicly demonstrate this support is truly heartening proof not only that such support continues, but that it grows, especially in such challenging times. These Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Awards are recognition of the tremendous backing and encouragement these organisations provide to their employees who are also Reservists, Adult Volunteers within the Cadet Forces, Veterans and their families. Thank you, and well done to everyone involved.”