The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme explained

What is the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme?

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme is run by the Ministry of Defence to recognise employers that support defence and the Armed Forces community beyond their Covenant pledge. It uses three award levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and any employer can take part, from a micro business to a large public body.

Small firms are well represented. Of the 193 organisations that received Gold awards in 2023, 28% were micro or small organisations, according to the Ministry of Defence.

How do I get an ERS Bronze award?

Bronze is self-nominated. You must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, registered your interest on the ERS website, confirmed you understand what the Covenant and ERS mean, and told your workforce that you support the Armed Forces community. It is the natural next step after signing the Covenant.

Desirable, but not essential, Bronze actions include having HR frameworks that allow reservists to mobilise, considering extra leave for reservist training, supporting the Cadet movement and making sure recruitment is fair to members of the Armed Forces community.

If you have not signed yet, start with our guide to the Armed Forces Covenant for small businesses.

What are the criteria for an ERS Silver award?

Silver builds on Bronze. Employers must show that Service personnel are not unfairly disadvantaged in recruitment, make staff aware of their forces-friendly policies, support active reservists with mobilisation policies and at least five days of additional annual leave, ideally paid, and keep a proactive relationship with Defence Relationship Management.

Silver holders are also expected to give flexibility to Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. An employer normally needs to have held Bronze for about 12 months before being considered, and Silver applications are reviewed by regional selection boards.

What are the criteria for an ERS Gold award?

Gold is the highest level. On top of the Silver criteria, employers must give active reservists at least ten days of additional paid leave a year, be an exemplar in their sector that advocates the Covenant and ERS to partner organisations, and commit resources to the Cadet movement.

Gold holders are also expected to register with the Forces Families Jobs website and support recruitment through the Career Transition Partnership. It is very unusual to move from Silver to Gold within 12 months. Gold nominations are reviewed by a national selection board chaired by senior military officers.

How do employers progress through the award levels?

Employers move through the levels in order. There is no fast track from Bronze to Gold. Each step requires evidence of specific criteria, including advocacy and demonstrable support for the Armed Forces community. Nominations are validated before selection boards consider them, and Silver and Gold windows open only at set times each year.

Do ERS awards need to be renewed?

Yes. Silver and Gold awards must be renewed every five years, so holders need to reapply to keep their status. The Ministry of Defence can also withdraw an award, or remove an organisation from the register, if its conduct is judged incompatible with the spirit of the Armed Forces Covenant.