UK Docks has been given a prestigious Gold Employer Recognition Award from the Armed Foces for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces of the highest level.
The company is honoured to have attained the Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), marking a major milestone in the UK’s ongoing dedication to supporting the UK’s Armed Forces community.
The top-tier accolade marks the highest recognition possible for employers who demonstrate outstanding support to the Armed Forces, including veterans, reservists, and their families. For UK Docks, this achievement represents not just a badge of honour, but a profound acknowledgement of its core values and enduring commitment to those who serve or have served our nation.
The banner UK Docks will now be able to display, recognising its Gold Award status
Stephen Lee, Operations Director at UK Docks, expressed the team's pride.
He said: “The staff and management are absolutely thrilled to have achieved the Gold Award.
“It has been a long-standing goal of the company—pursued with single-minded determination—and we are delighted to have now earned this prestigious honour.”
UK Docks signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2018, pledging to uphold the principles of fair treatment and support for the Armed Forces community.
The company achieved its Bronze award in 2022, followed by Silver in 2024.
Achieving Gold just one year later is a testament to the company’s accelerated efforts and meaningful progress.
Long-term commitment - members of the UK Docks’ management team seen collecting the previous Silver Award.
Managing Director Jonathan Wilson highlighted the wider impact of the award: “This is a company-wide achievement,” he said.
“It reflects the dedication of our entire team in strengthening our support for the Armed Forces, particularly in welcoming and empowering former service personnel within our workforce.
“UK Docks has long-standing ties with the Armed Forces, and we deeply value the expertise, discipline, and resilience that veterans bring to our operations both across the UK and internationally.”
The company continues to proudly support the Ministry of Defence through major contracts, including the global maintenance of the Royal Navy’s Batch 2 River-class vessels—HMS Tamar, Trent, Medway, Spey, and Forth—as well as the polar icebreaker HMS Protector.
“Beyond our operational responsibilities, we are deeply committed to supporting the wider Armed Forces community,” Wilson added. “From employment to community partnerships, our focus remains on honouring and uplifting those who have served.”
The Gold Award is a significant moment in UK Docks’ journey—recognising not only the company’s efforts, but also reinforcing its leadership as a champion for the Armed Forces and a trusted strategic partner within the UK’s maritime and defence sector.
A spokesperson for the military’s Defence Relationship Management team, which announced the latest Gold awards, said: “Thank you for your outstanding commitment and for going above and beyond in your support of those who serve, and their families.
“202 employers have received Gold this year — the highest number yet. It’s fantastic to see so many organisations leading the way in supporting the Armed Forces community, from Reservists and veterans to Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families.”
UK Docks will be formally presented with its Gold Award at a presentation due to be held in York in November.