Viking Arms is proud to announce receipt of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award. The prestigious award recognises Viking Arms’ exceptional support and commitment to the armed forces community.

The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Yorkshire and the Humber (RFCA YH) made the announcement last month, underlining Viking Arms' status as a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), an agreement that pledges an employer’s intent to support the military community. Viking Arms’ new accolade will be officially honoured at a regional awards ceremony in York on 14th September 2023.

Sam Macarthur, Managing Director, Viking Arms says:

"This award stands as a testament to our unflagging dedication at Viking Arms to serve the Armed Forces Community. Recognising the immense value of their contributions, we take immense pride in being an Armed Forces friendly organisation. Receiving the Silver Award not only underscores our public commitment to support the Armed Forces but also signals the tangible impact we're making, embodying our core values. It reflects our impassioned commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and the invaluable work they perform for our veterans and their families. As we strive towards the Gold standard, we graciously accept the Silver with immense pride and appreciation, acknowledging the Covenant team's remarkable role in the business community."

As Silver ERS Award recipients, Viking Arms demonstrates unwavering support for Defence by employing Reservists and maintaining flexible planning that allows for the fulfilment of their annual training and mobilisation commitments. Viking Arms also communicates a positive stance towards employees with connections to British forces facilitated through well-established human resources policies and procedures. 

Major General Marc Overton, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets) says:

“I would like to thank and congratulate the recipients of this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards. A Silver award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their communities under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefits to the Armed Forces Community. The winners should all be proud of their life-changing impact and fresh opportunities they are providing to our Reservists, veterans and their families. The number of winners this year yet again shows that the Armed Forces family talent pool is also providing tangible business benefits.”

The ERS consists of three award levels – bronze, silver, gold. Each level indicates an organisation’s commitment and involvement to offer support programmes that align with the scheme’s framework. The main objective of the scheme is for employers to endorse their employees who are military personnel (current, former and associated) and enable development opportunities that support their current or past duty to the forces with their civilian employment. The scheme also encourages overall support of the general armed forces community.