Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
Proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant
Our Gold Award demonstrates our support for the whole Armed Forces community
The British Chambers of Commerce is honoured to have been awarded the Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the highest accolade available through the Armed Forces Covenant.
This prestigious recognition reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military families.
The Gold Award is presented to organisations that lead by example in actively supporting defence personnel in the workplace and championing the value they bring to business and society. We are proud to stand alongside other leading employers who are creating inclusive, supportive environments for those who serve or have served.
At the BCC, we recognise the incredible skills, resilience, and leadership that members of the Armed Forces community contribute to the UK economy. We continue to advocate for employment pathways, flexible working arrangements, and practical support across our Chamber Network, ensuring service personnel and their families are welcomed and empowered.
This award strengthens our resolve to be a voice for Armed Forces-friendly employers and to promote the benefits of defence engagement across the business community. We thank the Ministry of Defence for this honour and reaffirm our commitment to the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.

In order to win a Silver award, organisations need to achieve the following points:
- The employer must have already stated their intent to be supportive by using the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) website to register at the Bronze level.
- The employer must proactively demonstrate that service personnel/the armed forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruiting and selection processes.
- Employers must employ at least one individual from the armed forces community category that the nomination emphasises. For example, an employer nominated for support to the Reserves must employ at least one Reservist.
- The employer must actively ensure that their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards defence people issues. For example, an employer nominated for support to the Reserves must have an internally publicised and positive HR policy on Reserves.
- Within the context of Reserves the employer must have demonstrated support to mobilisations or have a framework in place. They must demonstrate support to training by providing at least 5 days’ additional unpaid/paid leave (wherever possible not to Reservist employees’ financial disadvantage).
- The employer must not have been the subject of any negative PR or media activity.
Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - Accredited Chambers
- Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
- Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Black Country Chamber of Commerce
- Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
- Cumbria Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ltd
- Doncaster Chamber of Commerce
- Dundee & Angus Chamber Of Commerce
- East Midlands Chamber of Commerce
- Essex Chambers of Commerce
- Fife Chamber of Commerce
- Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Group
- Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
- Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce
- Inverness Chamber of Commerce
- North & Western Lancashire Chamber Of Commerce & Industry
- North East England Chamber Of Commerce
- Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Shropshire Chamber of Commerce
- Somerset Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ltd
- Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
- Surrey Chambers of Commerce
- Sussex Chamber of Commerce
- Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
gold
- Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Black Country Chamber of Commerce
- British Chambers of Commerce
- Cumbria Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ltd
- Dundee & Angus Chamber Of Commerce
- Fife Chamber Of Commerce & Enterprise Ltd
- Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Group
- Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
- Shropshire Chamber of Commerce
- Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
- Sussex Chamber of Commerce
- West Cheshire & North Wales Chambers
silver
bronze
- Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
- Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
- Essex Chambers of Commerce
- Glasgow Chamber Of Commerce
- Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce
- Inverness Chamber Of Commerce
- North & Western Lancashire Chamber Of Commerce & Industry
- SHEFFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
- Surrey Chambers of Commerce
- Thames Valley Chamber Of Commerce And Industry
EXPLORE OUR TEAM
Discover More
Governance
Careers
Meet the Team

GOVERNANCE
With 51 UK Accredited Chambers and operating in over 75 markets internationally, the British Chambers of Commerce has been in operation for over 160 years and is cementing its legacy for the future. Find out more about us here.

CAREERS
The work we do matters, and the pride that comes with it are evident on the faces of our team members. If you think the BCC is a good fit for you and your values, explore our range of opportunities and apply today.

MEET THE TEAM
Meet our committed, hard-working team who work with Chambers and businesses locally, nationally, and internationally to give them a real voice.

EXPLORE CHAMBERCUSTOMS
Customs clearance, training and consultancy to keep UK businesses compliant and efficient when trading Internationally. Click the link to get started.

JOIN THE CHAMBER NETWORK
Unlock boundless opportunities. Click here to find your local Chamber and take the first steps towards making your business & community thrive.