Armed Forces Friendly Employer: Why We are Committed to Supporting the Careers of Veterans and Reservists
Our commitment to being an Armed Forces friendly employer
Avove’s General Counsel and one of the business’s champions of our commitment to supporting the careers of the Armed Forces community, David Holmes explains the importance of being an Armed Forces Friendly Employer.
Proud to hold the ERS Gold Award
We are proud to now be the holder of the Gold ERS Award, as part of the Employer Recognition Scheme from the Ministry of Defence. This achievement is a meaningful milestone that recognises our ongoing commitment to supporting the armed forces community, including veterans, reservists and their families. This recognition is about more than simply meeting criteria. It reflects who we are as a business, what we believe in, and the kind of workplace culture we strive to build.
What is the ERS Gold Award?
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support those who have served and inspire others to do the same. The Gold Award is the highest level of recognition available through the scheme and is awarded to organisations that:
- Proactively demonstrate forces-friendly policies
- Actively support the employment of veterans, reservists, cadet instructors and military spouses
- Advocate for the benefits of supporting defence personnel within and beyond their organisation
For Avove, this award follows our previous achievement of the Silver Award and is the culmination of sustained effort, commitment and collaboration across the business.
I want to thank People Partner, Emma Johnson, who has led the initiative with real focus and dedication. Well done, Emma, and thank you!
Why this matters to us
At Avove, we’re building infrastructure for a better tomorrow. That future depends on people – skilled, resilient and adaptable people. These are the qualities that those with military experience bring in abundance.
We believe that recognising and investing in veterans and reservists is is not simply an act of corporate responsibility – it is a strategic advantage.
We value diverse experience
The transition from military to civilian life is rarely easy, and the skills service leavers acquire are often undervalued or misunderstood. At Avove, we actively seek out that experience, knowing it brings a wealth of perspective.
Veterans bring unique problem-solving skills, leadership under pressure, logistical excellence and a deep understanding of team cohesion. These qualities translate directly into our infrastructure services, where complex challenges, tight timelines and operational coordination are the norm.
By welcoming individuals from military backgrounds, we broaden our collective capability and reinforce our commitment to diversity, not just in demographics, but in thought and experience.
We respect the role of reservists
Reservists balance civilian careers with military training and deployments. That takes serious commitment. Supporting our colleagues who serve as reservists is both a moral obligation and recognition of the critical role they play in national defence.
We offer flexible working arrangements, additional leave for training and a supportive environment that acknowledges the personal and professional value of their service. Reservists often return from training with fresh perspectives, enhanced leadership skills and renewed confidence – benefits that ripple across their teams and projects.
We stand by the Armed Forces Covenant
Our pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant commits us to treating those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, with fairness and respect.
The Gold ERS Award is a tangible reflection of that promise. It tells our people, customers and communities that we don’t just support veterans in principle – we take action. Whether it’s through recruitment, training or internal policy, we are embedding a forces-friendly approach into the DNA of our organisation.
What we’ve done and what’s next
Earning the ERS Gold Award wasn’t a box-ticking exercise. It required demonstrable action and sustained commitment. Some of the steps we’ve taken include:
- Targeted recruitment initiatives to attract and retain talent from the Armed Forces community
- Manager training and HR support to help leaders understand the needs and strengths of veterans and reservists
- Internal networks and peer support, so that military-connected employees can share experiences, guidance and encouragement
- Policy reviews and flexibility to accommodate training, deployment and transition needs
Looking ahead, this is just the beginning. The Gold Award is a milestone, not a finish line. We are committed to continuous improvement in how we support our military connected colleagues. This includes:
- Creating mentoring opportunities for service leavers entering civilian employment
- Expanding our employee resource groups to strengthen community and belonging
- Advocating across our supply chain and industry for wider adoption of forces-friendly practices
What it means for you
If you’re a veteran, reservist or military family member working at Avove, or considering joining us, this award is a message: you are seen, valued and supported.
For all colleagues, this moment is something we can be proud of. It represents our collective commitment to creating a culture where people from all walks of life can thrive. It also shows that we don’t just talk about values like, integrity, respect and resilience – we live them.
Work with an Armed Forces Friendly Employer
If you’re a veteran or a reservist and are looking for your next career opportunity, you belong at Avove. We value the unique skills you bring to the table and are committed to supporting your professional development. Explore our current opportunities or email [email protected] for more information.