19 of Wales’ top forces-friendly employers have been recognised with a prestigious award

Representatives from the receiving organisations were awarded at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday 17 July, where they were also honoured guests at the 21 Gun Royal Salute to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

Guests were welcomed by Darren Millar MS, Chair of the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets. The opening address was given by Brigadier Nick Thomas CBE, Commander 160th (Welsh) Brigade, Head of the Army in Wales.

Sian Lloyd was the compere for the ceremony, and the close was given by Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, chair of the Wales Reserves Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA).

The recipients were:

• ArbCulture Limited
• Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
• Dwr Cymru  Welsh Water
• Edwin C. Farrall (Transport) Limited
• Gentium International Limited
• Hafren Forest Hideaway Limited
• ITSUS Consulting Ltd
• LINKS – Mental Health Charity
• Llanion Cove Ltd
• Mercateo UK Limited
• Powys County Council
• Rydal Penrhos School
• SC Safety Training Ltd
• South Wales Fire & Rescue Service
• SPTS Technologies UK Limited
• SudoCyber Limited
• The Veteran Building Company Ltd
• Wrexham University
• Zip World Limited

The awards were presented jointly by Brigadier Nick Thomas CBE; Commander Steve Henaghen Chief of Staff, Deputy Naval Regional Wales and Western England and Air Officer Wales, and Air Commodore Rob Wood OBE.

Under the Defence ERS, the Silver ERS Award recognises employers who have actively demonstrated their support for the armed forces community through implementing practical policies in the workplace.

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 that their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards defence people issues for reservists; veterans; cadet force adult volunteers, and spouses or partners of those serving in the armed forces.

Pete Gibbs, Executive Director of HR at Wrexham University, said:

Wrexham University is delighted to have been awarded the 2024 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award in recognition of our efforts to support the armed forces community.

The Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme showcases employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are actively supporting the armed forces community, including those who serve, veterans, and their families.

We are dedicated to nurturing an inclusive and supportive culture that is armed forces friendly for staff who have served previously or continue to do so as reservists or cadets.

Mr Tony Fish, the MOD’s Regional Employer Engagement Director North said:

We are delighted that so many employers in Wales have been recognised with the Silver Award.