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The Ministry of Defence announced today that, nationally, 307 organisations have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Awards for 2025.
We are pleased to announce that 4 organisations from the North of England are included and they are:
Draeger Safety Systems Ltd
Wounded Highlanders
NDT Project Solutions
A1 Steam Locomotive Trust
They have been recognised by the Scheme for demonstrating exceptional support to the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, veterans and military families, and for having gone beyond their Armed Forces Covenant commitments to embed supportive HR policies, promote Defence values and advocate for Service personnel in the civilian workforce within their employment practice.
The support they provide typically includes:
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
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 that they do for our Reservists, Veterans and Cadets.”
Matthew Bedford, Managing Director, Sales & Service Division UK of DRAEGER UK, said:
“We are both thrilled and proud to learn that Draeger UK has been awarded a silver level accreditation for the Armed Forces Covenant. This nicely evidences our commitment as an organisation to support and champion all of those who serve or have served (whether Regular or Reserve) and their families, as well as Cadets and Adult Volunteers. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Armed Forces going forward, introducing new steps for our Company to further support this community”.
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 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.”
Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - GOV.UK