NHS Cheshire and Merseyside receives ‘Gold Award’ for commitment to Armed Forces community
Monday, 29 September 2025
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence with the top award for outstanding support to the Armed Forces community.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) recognises employers who go above and beyond in supporting Defence to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve or have served.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is one of 200 employers nationally to receive the Gold Award in 2025 – the highest badge of honour for employers recognising their exceptional support to veterans, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families in the workplace.
The organisation formally received its Gold Award on Monday 22 September at a ceremony hosted by Blackburn Cathedral and presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell.
Alison Hudson and Richard Houghton – members of the organisation’s Armed Services Family Group – collected the award on behalf of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside at an event that saw organisations from across Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.
Carl Marsh, Interim Director of Transformation and Executive Champion for the Armed Services Family Group at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“We are truly honoured to receive the Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence. This achievement reflects our deep commitment to creating an inclusive workplace that recognises and supports the unique contributions of the Armed Forces community.
“Veterans, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and military families all bring invaluable skills and experiences to our organisation, and it is vital that we continue to ensure they feel welcomed, valued, and supported within the NHS and beyond.”
You can find out more about the ERS scheme and Gold Award, along with a full list of accredited employers, on GOV.UK.
