A veterans’ charity has been recognised by the government for its outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.

Royal Star & Garter has achieved the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award. To be awarded a gold recognition from the MoD, organisations must offer exceptional support and advocacy for the Armed Forces community and veterans’ employment, aligning their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Royal Star & Garter had previously received the ERS Silver Award in 2023.

The charity provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, from Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe. It has also launched new services reaching out into the community.

Kate Silver, Director of People, and Military Champion at Royal Star & Garter, played a key role in working towards the charity’s Gold Award recognition. She said:

“Not only do we provide outstanding care to veterans and their partners, we are also proud to have veterans working in our Homes and in our Central Services team, too. The Armed Forces community has made tremendous sacrifices for us, and providing veterans who work at Royal Star & Garter with additional support is the right thing to do. It is an honour that we have been recognised with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.”

Royal Star & Garter was one of 193 organisations recognised with the highest badge of honour this year.

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns MP said:

“Our Armed Forces community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace. This scheme aligns with this government’s determination to renew the nation’s contract with our Armed Forces. I would like to thank the nearly 200 organisations that have been recognised with a Gold Award this year. Their continued support ensures that our Armed Forces community are given the opportunities needed to flourish.”