The twenty organisations from across Wales were presented with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2026. They were among 331 employers awarded nationally this year.
Representatives from the receiving organisations were awarded at a special event held at the Hilton Hotel, Cardiff. Prior to the awards ceremony they were also honoured guests at the 21 Gun Royal Salute to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen held at Alexandra Gardens.
Guests were welcomed by Sian Lloyd, the compere for the award ceremony with the opening address given by Brigadier Mark Davis CBE, Commander of 160th (Welsh) Brigade, Head of the Army in Wales. The close was given by Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, chair of the Reserves Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.
The recipients were
- Aberafan Shopping Centre
- Albert & Flaherty Ltd
- Conjay Collectors Ammunition Ltd
- Delivery Solutions (DELSOL) Ltd
- Female Veterans Alliance CIC
- Genuine JayJays Ltd
- Gus Periscopes Limited
- HF Owen Transport & Storage Limited
- Mental Health Matters Wales
- NHS Wales Shared Services
- Oceaneering International Ltd
- Premier Compliance
- Protectoseal Ltd
- Redberth Croft CIC
- South Wales Police
- Stable Resources Ltd
- Tactical Medical Rescue Ltd
- Tata Steel UK
- Wrexham Lager Beer Company Limited
- Wynne Construction
The awards were presented jointly by Brigadier Mark Davis CBE, Lieutenant Colonel Daryl Powell, Deputy Naval Regional Commander Wales, Western England and Channel Islands and Air Officer Wales, Air Commodore Rob Woods OBE.
Ruth Knoyle, Head of Talent Acquisition & Employee Experience at Tata Steel UK said
It is a privilege to be one of only 20 organizations in Wales to be awarded the Defence Employer Recognition scheme in 2026. Our support is already demonstrated through our HR Policies and I look forward to building on our relationship with cadets, veterans, reservists and their families over the coming months and implementing more mutually beneficial initiatives.
Neil Frow OBE, Managing Director, NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) said
We are absolutely delighted that we have achieved the silver status under the recognition scheme. This is a significant milestone that reflects our genuine and ongoing commitment to supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces community. This award highlights the importance we place on inclusion, flexibility and creating a supportive environment where Reservists, veterans and their families are valued and able to thrive.
Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, 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 their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards Defence people issues for Reservists, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
The employers were recognised for the support they give to the Armed Forces Community at the event on Friday 17th July.
Mr Craig Middle, the MoD’s Defence Relationship Manager for South Wales said
We are delighted that so many employers in Wales have been recognised with the Silver Award.