FAQs – The Employer Recognition Scheme

The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) acknowledges employers that provide exceptional support to the Armed Forces community and Defence by going above and beyond their Covenant pledges. More information is available here: Employer Recognition Scheme.

The Employer Recognition Scheme has a 3-tier approach of bronze, silver and gold awards. Bronze awards are self-nominated by employers, while silver and gold awards are assessed through a nomination process. The Employer Recognition Scheme guidance outlines the criteria to meet for the bronze, silver and gold awards, and provides links to apply and nominate. Nominations for silver and gold awards are only open at certain times of the year.

If you haven’t received a response, please contact afcovenant@rfca.mod.uk.

The Employer Recognition Scheme guidance has links to lists of the bronze, silver and gold award recipients.

There is no fast-track process. Organisations looking to enhance their Employer Recognition Scheme journey will start at bronze and move through each level of the award scheme. Progression to silver or gold requires meeting specific criteria, including advocacy and demonstrable support. Guidance and nomination forms are available in the Employer Recognition Scheme guidance. 

Please check the official list in the Employer Recognition Scheme guidance. If your organisation is missing, contact afcovenant@rfca.mod.uk with your pledge details and company information for verification. 

Email afcovenant@rfca.mod.uk with updated information and supporting documents. Defence Relationship Management (DRM) will update your records accordingly. 

ERS silver and gold awards require renewal every five years. 

Yes. The ERS scheme recognises support for the wider Armed Forces community, including Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers (CFAVs). 

Organisations can request official logos from DRM. Use is encouraged to publicly demonstrate support. The logos are available here: Covenant brand guidelines.

Enquiries and complaints about signatories should be directed towards the Ministry of Defence. Please complete this contact form. DRM conducts due diligence and applies the “Covenant Test” to assess whether organisations continue to meet the standards expected.