We are pleased to share that Affinity has been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, recognising our continued commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme was launched in 2014 to shine a light on organisations that go the extra mile to provide Defence colleagues with supportive working environments. Since then, almost 150 organisations from the East Midlands have been awarded the Silver.
In 2026, over 300 employers have been recognised Nationally, with only 12 businesses from the East Midlands region awarded the Silver Award.
Fred Hopkins, Head of Engagement at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association:
“Achieving the Silver Award is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates that a business is serious about playing its part in national Defence and resilience. My congratulations and thanks to our 2026 cohort, which represents a breadth and depth of employers across the East Midlands, for their sterling contributions. They are truly leading the way in supporting our people, who add so much value to society.”
Building on our Bronze Award which was awarded in 2019, this achievement reflects the progress we have made in embedding supportive policies, raising awareness, and actively demonstrating our commitment to serving personnel, Reservists, Veterans and military families.
The ERS Silver Award recognises organisations that move beyond pledging support to actively demonstrating it in practice, playing a role in supporting Defence capability and resilience through their people and policies.
At Affinity, this includes:
- Supporting Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers with working arrangements
- Ensuring fair and inclusive recruitment practices for those from the Armed Forces community
- Raising awareness across the business through internal communications, campaigns, and engagement activity
- Providing guidance and support to employees during mobilisation
- Actively supporting the Cadet movement through events, mentoring, and outreach
We are proud to employ Veterans, Reservists and military family members across the business, and we continue to work closely with organisations such as the RAF Association, SSAFA, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, and the Career Transition Partnership to support those transitioning from military to civilian careers.
Our ongoing partnerships, community engagement activities, and internal initiatives all contribute to creating an inclusive environment where colleagues with Armed Forces connections feel supported and valued.
This award is an important milestone, but it also reinforces our ongoing commitment, strengthening how we support the Armed Forces community across Affinity.
Alex Davison, Business Director -
“The ERS Silver Award recognises that our support for the Armed Forces community is embedded in how we operate as a business, our culture and leadership approach. From inclusive recruitment practices to supporting Reservists and veterans, this achievement demonstrates our commitment in action. We will continue to build on this as part of our wider approach to being a responsible and supportive employer.”
