The ERS Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served. The Awards recognise employers who actively support the Armed Forces community in their workplace and encourage others to follow their lead.

Gleeds has been a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2015. Since then, it has been growing its community of reservists, veterans, and forces families by offering support throughout its recruitment and selection process, with assistance during the transition to civilian employment, and with additional paid leave for reservists undertaking annual training.

Chairman of Gleeds Worldwide, Richard Steer, said of the award: “I’m incredibly proud that Gleeds’ commitment to supporting the armed forces community and their families has been recognised with this Gold Award. I strongly believe that we have a responsibility to our service men and women and to do what we can to ease their transition into civilian life. I’m also delighted to provide a professional home for an increasing number whose skillsets and experience make them valuable members of our team.”

To win a Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must show that they provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces. They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those from the Armed Forces community, encouraging others to improve their own practises.