APCL A&P Falmouth Recognised as Gold Employer for Service Leavers..

APCL A&P Falmouth is delighted to announce it has received the prestigious Gold Award under the MoD’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

Signing the Armed Forces Covenant, organisations pledge to honour two main principles which are: “no member of the armed forces community should face disadvantage at work or in the community compared to other citizens and in some circumstances special consideration is appropriate for those who have given most, such as the injured or bereaved.”

APCL A&P Falmouth proudly signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant in 2015, a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

APCL A&P Falmouth then went on to secure the Silver Award in 2019, and we are delighted to be successful in securing Gold this year.

This year, 19 organisations across the South West received the Gold ERS Award, which is the highest badge of honour given by the UK Government Ministry of Defence to organisations showing outstanding support towards the Armed Forces and Veteran community.

APCL A&P Falmouth regularly engages and attends events with the Cornwall Army Cadet Force (AFC) and has even recruited an apprentice from the AFC. Moreover, The Falmouth and Penryn Sea Cadet Unit is APCL A&P Falmouth charity for this year with Matt Weetch, APCL Group Director of Defence a trustee of the charity.

David McGinley Chief Executive Officer of APCL Group said: “I am delighted that APCL A&P Falmouth has achieved such a prestigious award in recognition of our commitment to the Armed Forces.

“Not only are we proud to serve the UK Ministry of Defence through our dedicated Defence Division, but also count a number of former service personnel as some of our most valued employees.

“We have pledged an additional 10 days paid leave to our Reservist and Cadet Adult Forces Volunteer employees – allowing them to carry out crucial training and service to our country.

"This award truly showcases our commitment as a Group to hiring Veterans, Reservists and Cadet Adult Forces Volunteers into our workforce, and supporting them as they progress through our business.

“Our commitment to the armed forces lies at the heart of our business and everything we do.”

Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said: “Employers are crucial partners in protecting our security and boosting the economy. By backing veterans, Reservists, military families, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and the Cadet movement, these organisations build resilient communities and the innovation Defence needs. I congratulate them and thank them for their outstanding commitment.”

To achieve Gold, employers must:

• Provide at least 10 days’ additional paid leave for Reservists
• Implement HR policies for veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
• Advocate for Defence across their networks and sectors
• Demonstrate sustained commitment well beyond the minimum requirements

These organisations lead by example, helping to shift national attitudes and raise standards across their sectors.

From global finance and property to healthcare, retail and local government, this year’s recipients highlight the growing range and depth of employer support.