Twenty organisations in Wales are among 331 nationally that have achieved the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2026.
Employers that have actively demonstrated their support for the Armed Forces community through implementing practical policies in the workplace are today recognised by being awarded the Defence Silver ERS Award.
The 20 Welsh winners will be invited to receive their award at a special ceremony in Cardiff where they will be honoured guests at a Royal Gun Salute.
The winners are:
- Aberafan Shopping Centre
- Albert & Flaherty Ltd
- Conjay Collectors Ammunition Ltd
- Delivery Solutions (DELSOL) Ltd
- Female Veterans Alliance CIC
- Genuine JayJays Ltd
- Gus Periscopes Limited
- HF Owen Transport & Storage Limited
- Mental Health Matters Wales
- NHS Wales Shared Services
- Oceaneering International Ltd
- Premier Compliance
- Protectoseal Ltd
- Redberth Croft CIC
- South Wales Police
- Stable Resources Ltd
- Tactical Medical Rescue Ltd
- Tata Steel UK
- Wrexham Lager Beer Company Limited
- Wynne Construction
Major General Marc Overton CB TD DL VR, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets), said:
“Congratulations to all organisations receiving the ERS Silver Award this year. These employers are making a meaningful contribution to Defence by supporting those who serve, while recognising the enormous value that Reservists, veterans and military families bring to the workforce.
“As a Reservist myself, I know how important employer support is. The flexibility, understanding and advocacy shown by organisations across the UK enables our people to balance civilian careers with service commitments, strengthening both Defence and society as a whole.
“In today's increasingly uncertain global environment, strong partnerships between Defence and employers are more important than ever. The commitment shown by this year's Silver Award holders helps ensure the UK maintains resilient, capable and adaptable armed forces for the future.”
Karen Driver, Managing Director of Gus Periscopes Ltd, said:
“Gus Periscopes Ltd is delighted to have been awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award. As a defence company, our ethos – “we protect those who protect us” – guides us in producing the highest quality products to best serve our troops in the field.
“Being awarded Silver status is a personal achievement for us. Our Operations Director, Will Rowlands, is a military veteran from both regular and reserve Army commitments, who has been with the company since it was founded in 2018. His experience has helped shape our understanding of the realities of service life—and how those skills can positively affect our business.
“We value the skills, perspective, and professionalism that serving personnel, veterans, and reservists bring, and we aim to support them in a practical and consistent way. This award recognises the steps we have taken to back that up through our recruitment, policies, and day-to-day working environment.
“We are genuinely pleased to receive this award—it means a great deal to the team and to us as a company.”
To achieve Silver, organisations must proactively demonstrate that the Armed Forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruitment policies. They must also actively ensure their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards Defence people issues for Reservists, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, employers support Defence personnel and encourage others to do the same. The scheme has three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold for organisations that pledge, demonstrate and advocate support for Defence and the Armed Forces community.
To find out more about the ERS and how your organisation could support Defence personnel in the workplace through the Armed Forces Covenant contact:
Craig Middle, Defence Relationship Manager (DRM) for South Wales, wa-reed@rfca.mod.uk Cardiff Office Mob: 07970 493086
Tony Fish, Defence Relationship Manager (DRM) for North Wales, wa-reed2@rfca.mod.uk Mold Office. Mob: 07508 193902
