SLC, an infrastructure development and delivery specialist, was one of 331 organisations from across the UK that achieved a Silver Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), recognising its sustained commitment to supporting the armed forces community.
The Silver Award honours employers that actively demonstrate their pledges through the Armed Forces Covenant and implements policies that support reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers and military families.
Paul Fountaine, Director of SLC, said: “Achieving the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award is a significant milestone for SLC and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting communities, in this case the Armed Forces community. In addition to signing the Armed Forces Covenant last year, this recognition demonstrates that we have embedded meaningful support for Reservists, veterans and service leavers within our organisation and HR policies.
“As a veteran myself, I understand how important it is for service leavers to find employers who genuinely recognise and value the unique skills, resilience and leadership developed through military service. We greatly value the expertise, dedication and professionalism they bring to our teams, our culture and the projects we deliver.
“I’m incredibly proud that this award formally acknowledges SLC as a workplace where members of the Armed Forces community can thrive, contribute and continue to grow.”
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant last year, SLC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community and upholding the Covenant’s key principles. The company already had a strong foundation in place, including flexible HR policies for reservists and volunteers, inclusive recruitment practices that support veterans and service leavers, and initiatives to help them transition into civilian careers. SLC also actively raises awareness through internal engagement activities, particularly during the remembrance period, where employees often join and contribute to events alongside the business community and the wider rail industry to support commemorative and community-focused activities across the West Midlands.
SLC now joins a select group of employers across the UK recognised for their leadership in championing Armed Forces-friendly workplaces.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. Bronze awards are self-nominated by employers, while silver and gold awards are assessed through a nomination process. Progression to Silver or Gold requires meeting specific criteria, including advocacy and demonstrable support.
