20 Welsh employers receive Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award

20 employers from across Wales have been recognised for their support of the Armed Forces community after receiving the 2026 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.

The organisations were among 331 employers recognised nationally and received their awards at a ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff.

Ahead of the event, recipients attended the 21 Gun Royal Salute at Alexandra Gardens to mark the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

The Silver Award recognises employers that have demonstrated support for reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers and military families through workplace policies and recruitment practices.

Recipients included Tata Steel UK, NHS Wales Shared Services, South Wales Police and Wrexham Lager Beer Company Limited.

Ruth Knoyle, head of talent acquisition and 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 of NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have achieved the silver status under the recognition scheme.