Three organisations from Staffordshire have been recognised for their commitment to supporting the armed forces community after receiving the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2026.
The award, announced by the Ministry of Defence, celebrates employers that actively support reservists, veterans, military families and the Cadet movement through workplace policies, culture and leadership.
The ERS Silver Award recognises organisations that go beyond symbolic support and demonstrate a sustained commitment to creating forces-friendly workplaces.
The Staffordshire recipients are: Housing Plus Group in Stafford, ESCO Maritime Solutions in Rugeley and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
Councillor Bill Cawley, cabinet member for communities and armed forces champion, said: “We have done a lot to support our veterans in recent years, so to get the Silver recognition is extremely welcome. Although a largely rural area, we have over 3,200 veterans locally and so have been determined to support our ‘band of brothers and sisters’.”
A total of 31 organisations across the West Midlands received Silver Awards this year, with 331 recognised nationally.
A spokesperson for the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) said: “We want to say a big congratulations to all our 2026 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award recipients across the West Midlands.
“These organisations have gone above and beyond in their support for the Armed Forces community, helping to create more forces-friendly workplaces and recognising the values that Reservists, Veterans, the Cadet movement, military families and service leavers bring.”
