Nineteen organisations from across the West Midlands region have been recognised with the Ministry of Defence’s highest Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) honour – the Gold Award – for their outstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
The prestigious ceremony took place on 23rd October 2025 at Lilleshall House and Gardens in Shropshire, home to one of the UK’s National Sports Centres and the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Centre. Awards were presented by Commodore Tristram Kirkwood OBE RN, Naval Regional Commander for Wales, the West of England and the Channel Islands.
The evening celebrated employers who have gone above and beyond in their support for Defence people, including veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and the families of serving personnel.
2025 Gold Award recipients
Herefordshire:
- Separ International Limited
Shropshire:
- Donnington & Muxton Parish Council
- RAF Museum
- Shropshire Chamber of Commerce
- The Shrewsbury & Telford Hospitals NHS Trust
Staffordshire:
- ArB Tree Care (Specialists) Limited
- Benx Limited
- Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
- Belvoir Stafford and Stone
- Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre
Warwickshire:
- George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust
- Godiva Limited
- Veterans Contact Point
- Wigley Investment Holdings Limited
West Midlands:
- Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust
- Mac Surfacing Limited
- Modality Partnership
- The Phoenix Collegiate
Worcestershire:
- RT Consulting
Celebrating exceptional support
The evening featured a performance by The Band of the Mercian Regiment, supported by Reservists from No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, helping bring the event to life. Guests also heard from members of Invictus Games Team UK, who shared how sport and teamwork have supported their personal recovery journeys
Colonel Francis Acton VR, Chair of West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA), who led the event, said:
“It was a privilege to host this year’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards in such an inspiring setting.
The Gold level represents the highest and most demanding standard for employers, recognising exceptional policies and practices that support members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
My congratulations go to all nineteen Gold Award winners – their commitment sets a shining example for others to follow.”
Michelle Alli, Chief Governance Officer and Armed Forces Community Lead at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, added:
“We are extremely proud to receive this prestigious Gold Award. It’s a tribute to the hard work of many people and our close partnership working.
We’re committed to creating employment opportunities for the Armed Forces community within the NHS and supporting successful working futures for individuals.”
What the Gold Award represents
The Gold Award is the Ministry of Defence’s highest level of recognition for employers who demonstrate exceptional advocacy and support for the Armed Forces community.
To achieve Gold status, organisations must:
- Offer at least ten additional paid days’ leave for Reservists.
- Have supportive HR policies for veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and spouses/partners of Service personnel.
- Actively advocate for Defence by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Further information
To learn how your organisation can support Defence people and benefit from the Employer Recognition Scheme, visit:
www.wmrfca.org/employers
For Employer Recognition Scheme and Armed Forces Covenant enquiries, please contact: [email protected]