Celebrating at Admiralty House
Admiralty House is a place closely connected to the Royal Navy and the history of defence in the UK. Its setting made the evening feel meaningful and fitting for an event that celebrates employers who support the Armed Forces community. The building’s heritage and atmosphere added to the sense of pride felt by everyone attending.
The ERS Awards brought together organisations from across the South East. Each employer in the room shared a common goal. They all recognise the value that members of the Armed Forces community bring to the workplace. It was inspiring to see so many companies committed to supporting defence personnel and their families.
For Fry Site Services, being part of this event was a reminder of why we chose to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and why we continue to strengthen our support. The evening highlighted the positive impact that employers can have when they recognise the skills and experience that service personnel bring.
What the ERS Silver Award Means for Fry Site Services
The ERS Silver Award is an important milestone for Fry Site Services. It shows that we have gone beyond the basic commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant and have taken real steps to support defence personnel in our organisation.
The Silver Award recognises employers who:
- Actively support reservists with policies that allow them to meet their training and deployment commitments.
- Understand the value that veterans bring to civilian workplaces.
- Support cadet force adult volunteers who give their time to develop young people.
- Provide understanding and flexibility for military families.
- Promote the Armed Forces Covenant within their organisation.
For Fry Site Services, this award reflects our belief that supporting the Armed Forces community is not only the right thing to do but also a benefit to our business. Veterans and reservists bring leadership, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving skills that strengthen our workforce.
Our Commitment to the Armed Forces Community
Fry Site Services has always valued people who bring dedication, discipline and strong work ethics to their roles. Members of the Armed Forces community demonstrate these qualities every day. Our commitment to supporting them is part of our wider approach to building a strong and capable team.
Our journey with the Armed Forces Covenant has been shaped by a desire to make a positive impact. We have worked to create policies that support reservists, recognise the needs of military families and encourage veterans to join our organisation. We want Fry Site Services to be a place where defence personnel feel welcome and supported.
A key part of this journey has been the guidance of Leigh Thomas. His support has helped us understand the Covenant process and strengthen our commitments. We are grateful for his advice and encouragement, which have played a big role in helping us achieve Silver status.
Why Supporting the Armed Forces Community Matters
The Armed Forces community contributes a great deal to society. Veterans bring years of experience and leadership. Reservists balance civilian careers with military responsibilities. Cadet force adult volunteers help young people develop confidence and skills. Military families support loved ones through deployments and relocations.
By supporting this community, employers help ensure:
- A smooth transition from military to civilian employment.
- Recognition of transferable skills.
- Fair opportunities for career development.
- Flexibility for reservists who need time for training.
- A supportive environment for families who face unique challenges.
These efforts benefit individuals and strengthen organisations. At Fry Site Services, we have seen first-hand how the skills and values of defence personnel improve teamwork, communication and performance.
The Skills the Armed Forces Community Brings to the Workplace
Members of the Armed Forces community bring a wide range of skills that are valuable in any workplace. Their training and experience prepare them to handle pressure, adapt quickly and lead with confidence.
Some of the key strengths include:
- Leadership and decision-making.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Strategic thinking.
- Problem-solving in challenging situations.
- Clear communication.
- Commitment to high standards.
- Resilience and adaptability.
These qualities are especially important in the work we do at Fry Site Services. Our projects often require strong teamwork, clear communication and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Veterans and reservists excel in these areas, making them a great fit for our organisation.
A Night of Recognition and Inspiration
The ERS Awards evening was a chance to celebrate the achievements of employers across the South East. It was also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting the Armed Forces community. The stories shared throughout the evening highlighted the positive impact that employers can have when they commit to the Armed Forces Covenant.
For Fry Site Services, the event was a reminder of the progress we have made and the work we still want to do. Accepting the Silver Award was a proud moment, but it also encouraged us to continue strengthening our support.
The evening brought together organisations that share a common purpose. It showed that there is a growing network of employers who recognise the value of defence personnel and want to help them succeed in civilian careers.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Receiving the ERS Silver Award is a significant achievement, but it is not the end of our journey. Fry Site Services is committed to continuing our support for the Armed Forces community. We want to build on the progress we have made and explore new ways to strengthen our policies and engagement.
Our future goals include:
- Creating more opportunities for veterans to join our organisation.
- Providing additional support for reservists.
- Increasing awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant across our teams.
- Working with partners to share best practices.
- Working towards achieving the ERS Gold Award.
We believe that supporting the Armed Forces community is an investment in people and values. It helps us build a stronger organisation and contributes to a wider culture of respect and appreciation for those who serve.
Thank You to South East RFCA
We would like to thank South East RFCA for hosting an excellent event. Their work plays an important role in supporting defence personnel and employers who commit to the Armed Forces Covenant. The ERS Awards were organised with care and professionalism, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.
We also want to thank Leigh Thomas for his continued support. His guidance has helped us understand the Covenant process and strengthen our commitments. We appreciate everything he has done to support Fry Site Services on this journey.
(credit to Kevin Poolman Photography)
A Proud Moment for Fry Site Services
Our evening at Admiralty House was a proud moment for Fry Site Services and the wider FRY Group. Achieving the ERS Silver Award is a reflection of our values and our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. It shows that our efforts are recognised and that we are making a positive impact.
We are proud of our Silver status and inspired by the stories shared at the ERS Awards. We look forward to continuing our work and strengthening our support for veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military families.
