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Following the announcement in June that NSG had achieved the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, we were proud to formally receive our award at a special presentation ceremony on 20 October 2026.

Held at Chester Zoo, the event was hosted by the Northwest Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, with the Lord Lieutenants of Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside presenting the Silver Awards to recipients from their respective counties.

Veteran and NSG Project Manager Marcus Corderoy represented NSG at the ceremony, joining fellow Silver Award recipients to celebrate the achievement.

What the Silver Award represents

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire other organisations to do the same.

The scheme comprises Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, recognising organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate their support for defence and the Armed Forces community, while aligning their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Our progression from Bronze to Silver reflects how we have continued to build on our commitment as a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, embedding meaningful support within our policies, culture and day-to-day practices.

This includes supporting colleagues with Reservist commitments, encouraging applications from veterans and service leavers, raising awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant across our business and providing a community for colleagues through our Armed Forces Network.

Reflecting on attending the ceremony and what the recognition means, Marcus said:

“As a veteran, I’m incredibly proud to see us achieve the ERS Silver Award. At this time of year, as we approach Remembrance Day and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community, the importance of supporting those who serve, have served and their families is brought into even greater focus. This award demonstrates NSG’s genuine commitment to providing that support and creating a workplace where the Armed Forces community is recognised, valued and able to thrive.”

Supporting our Armed Forces community

Our Armed Forces Network currently has 39 members, including 28 veterans, four Reservists, one Cadet Force Adult Volunteer and six military family members.

Military service develops highly transferable skills, including leadership, resilience, teamwork, risk management and the ability to adapt to challenging environments. These qualities have particular relevance to our work delivering complex projects within highly regulated sectors.

Gareth Wilson, NSG Managing Director said:

“We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award. This recognition reflects the genuine commitment we have made across NSG to supporting members of the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families.
Their skills, dedication and leadership bring significant value to our organisation, and we are committed to creating an environment where they can succeed and thrive. Progressing from Bronze to Silver demonstrates that our support is not only embedded in our policies but also reflected in our day-to-day culture and practices. We look forward to building on this achievement as we continue our journey.”

Valuing military experience

For Dave Wakelin, a veteran at NSG, finding an employer that recognises and values military experience can make a significant difference when transitioning into civilian employment.

Dave said:

“One of the biggest challenges after leaving the Armed Forces is finding an organisation that understands what veterans can bring to the workplace. At NSG, I found an environment where military experience is recognised and valued, and where the skills developed through service can be applied to complex projects and challenging operational environments.
The Armed Forces taught me the importance of leadership, resilience and teamwork. These are skills that remain relevant every day in my role. NSG recognises the value of this experience and provides opportunities to apply those skills in a meaningful way.”

Our progression to Silver demonstrates our commitment not only to attracting people with military backgrounds, but also to creating an environment where they can continue to develop and build their careers.

Building on our commitment

Achieving Silver is an important recognition of the progress we have made, but it is also an opportunity to build on that commitment.

Through our Armed Forces Network, Armed Forces-friendly employment practices and continued commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we will continue to champion veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, military families and the wider Armed Forces community.

Receiving our award at the official ceremony was a proud moment and an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come since making our Armed Forces Covenant pledge. As we look ahead, we remain committed to strengthening that support and continuing our journey as an Armed Forces-friendly employer.