RLB collects Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold award after ceremony

Construction consultancy RLB has been presented with Gold in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which it described as the Ministry of Defence's highest recognition for employers that support the Armed Forces community.

RLB said in a 5 November announcement, which followed the award ceremony, that the Gold award recognised its support for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families. The consultancy had first reported receiving the Gold award on 20 July 2026.

The award also reflected RLB's work championing the Armed Forces Covenant and encouraging wider support across the industry, the firm said.

Rick Davis, chair of RLB's Armed Forces Community, said: "One clear message came out of the award ceremony that supporting the Armed Forces is not just about veterans or those serving, but the wider community."

Davis said RLB had built a network that brings together colleagues with a connection to the Armed Forces, giving them a shared sense of community, understanding and support.

From Silver to Gold

The Gold award completes a step up from the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, which RLB UK announced on 19 August 2024, about two years earlier. At the time, RLB said its Armed Forces Community supported service leavers as they moved into employment at the firm.

The community chair in 2024 was Arron Lock, an associate and veteran, who said then that the Silver award was testament to the ongoing development of the RLB Armed Forces Community. By 2026 the chair was Rick Davis.

Sarah Draper, RLB's People & Culture Director, said: "This award is a culmination of a huge amount of work and dedication from colleagues across RLB, particularly those who have helped establish and grow our Armed Forces Community Network".

In July, Andrew Reynolds, RLB chief executive for UK and Europe, said the firm counted many ex-service personnel among its employees and valued their resilience.

RLB's careers pages state that the firm is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and runs an employee community called RLB Armed Forces. The group supports colleagues who have served, who have family members serving or who have a connection to the forces, and provides guidance to service leavers and to families of service personnel, particularly during deployments.

What Gold requires

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire other organisations to do the same. To hold Gold, an employer must be an exemplar within its sector, advocating for the Armed Forces Covenant or the scheme to partner organisations, suppliers and customers.

Gold holders must also give active reservists at least 10 days of additional paid leave a year for training, the ministry said. Gold awards are decided by a selection board at national level, chaired by a senior military officer, while Silver awards are decided regionally. The ministry said it would be very unusual for an organisation to reach Gold within 12 months of gaining Silver.

The Armed Forces Covenant, according to GOV.UK, is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

The scheme in 2026

The Ministry of Defence announced on 15 July 2026 that 162 employers had received the ERS Gold Award this year, in the scheme's twelfth year.

Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Minister for Veterans and People, said having an employer in your corner made an enormous difference to a veteran starting a new chapter or a reservist balancing two roles.

RLB describes itself as an independent global construction and property management consultancy, with services spanning cost, project and programme management, sustainability, digital and specialist services. Its European business has 38 offices and about 1,500 people.