More than 200 employers have received the Ministry of Defence Gold Award through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) in 2025, recognising their sustained and exceptional support for veterans, reservists, military families, and cadet force adult volunteers.
Now in its 11th year, the Ministry of Defence Gold Award represents the highest level of recognition for organisations that go above and beyond in backing the Armed Forces community. Awarded employers must offer additional paid leave for reservists, implement supportive HR policies, actively promote the Armed Forces Covenant, and demonstrate advocacy across their industries.
Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, praised this year’s winners, saying: “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.”
The list of Ministry of Defence Gold Award recipients spans a wide range of sectors, from finance and healthcare to property, retail, education and local government. It reflects what the MoD describes as “values-led leadership,” with participating organisations playing a key role in reshaping workplace culture and helping the Armed Forces community transition into and thrive in civilian careers.
Among this year’s recipients is the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). Daniel Maguire, Head of Markets, said: “The Ministry of Defence Gold Award recognises LSEG’s long-term commitment to supporting the defence community. Our veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military families within LSEG all bring immense value. Their resilience, adaptability and unwavering sense of duty enrich our workplace and strengthen our culture across the globe, inspiring excellence across our business.”
Richard Rees, Managing Director of Savills UK, said the award “demonstrates the strength of our commitment to the armed forces community. We have an exceptional employee offer, and our business provides a strong cultural fit for those with a background in the armed forces. We aim to be an example within our sector, advocating for the armed forces community to other businesses, suppliers and clients, and the recognition that we are achieving this is very welcome.”
Steve Ager, Chief Commercial Officer and executive sponsor of the Boots Armed Forces Alliance, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition through the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Boots has a proud history of supporting the armed forces in the UK, and this award reflects our continued commitment to supporting the armed forces, veterans, and their families.”
This year’s awards also come in the context of wider defence reform, with the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy calling for stronger integration between defence and civilian sectors to support innovation, resilience and long-term security.
A full list of 2025 Gold Award winners is available via the Ministry of Defence.
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