Twelve employers from across Wales were recognised for the outstanding support they give to the armed forces community at an Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) awards ceremony held at HMS CAMBRIA, Cardiff Bay on 25 September.
Guests were entertained by music from Cerys Rees regimental harpist of The Royal Welsh, and the Regimental Band of The Royal Welsh.
The compère for the evening was Sian Lloyd, with the welcome given by James Evans MS, chair of the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets. The opening address was given by Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, chair of the Reserves Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales.
Commodore Tris Kirkwood OBE ADC, Naval Regional Commander Wales, Western England and Channel Islands, gave the keynote address.
The 12 Welsh award recipients were:
- Basel Cottage Holidays
- Carmarthenshire County Council
- Ceredigion County Council
- Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
- Edwin C. Farrall (Transport) Ltd
- Gatewen Training Services Limited
- Rydal Penrhos School
- South Wales Fire & Rescue Service
- SudoCyber Limited
- The Mentor Ring Limited
- West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
- Wurkplace Limited
The awards were presented jointly by Commodore Tris Kirkwood OBE ADC, Brigadier Mark Davis CBE, Commander of 160th (Welsh) Brigade, Head of the Army in Wales and Air Officer Wales, Air Commodore Rob Woods OBE.
Awarded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the ERS formally recognises organisations that employ and support those who serve in the armed forces, veterans and their families. Across the UK, 202 organisations received the Gold Award this year.
To achieve Gold, employers must:
- provide at least 10 days’ additional paid leave for reservists
- implement HR policies for veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
- advocate for defence across their networks and sectors
- demonstrate sustained commitment well beyond the minimum requirements
These organisations lead by example, helping to shift national attitudes and raise standards across their sectors.
