Draeger Safety UK has been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS)
Gold Award, the highest accolade bestowed by the Ministry of Defence on employers who support the Armed Forces community. The news comes just a year after the firm achieved Silver status.

The Gold Award recognises organisations that go above and beyond in their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, and reflects the enduring partnerships Draeger has built with the Ministry of Defence and the wider defence community.

Commenting on the award, Matthew Bedford, Managing Director – Sales & Service Division, Draeger UK & Ireland, said:

“I am delighted that Draeger Safety UK has achieved Gold Level Accreditation as part of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) Employer Recognition Scheme. This prestigious award recognises our long standing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, from employing and developing veterans and reservists to investing in cadet programmes, volunteering initiatives, and military charities and events. We are incredibly proud of the role we play in recognising the skills and dedication of those
who serve or have served, and their families. This achievement reflects our values as an organisation and our commitment to making a meaningful and lasting difference to the Armed Forces community.

“Achieving Gold Accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our colleagues across the business and reinforces our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community for years to come.”

While the Silver Award recognises organisations that demonstrate active support for the Armed Forces community through policies and practices, the Gold Award recognises employers that go further by actively promoting their forces-friendly credentials and advocating for the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Gold Award holders are expected to act as exemplars within their sector, encouraging partners, suppliers and customers to support the Armed Forces community.

Malcolm Irving, Head of Global Supply Chain and Managing Director of Safety Division UK &Ireland, comments:

“We are honoured to receive this recognition! The people of the Armed Forces community bring exceptional skills, discipline and leadership to our organisation and to society as a whole. This award affirms our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where they can build rewarding careers and truly thrive.
“Dräger remains dedicated to championing the Armed Forces community and will continue to build on this legacy in the years ahead.”

Dräger has been part of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme since 2021, demonstrating its dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community and ensuring their needs are considered in its business practices.
Examples of Dräger’s support for the Armed Forces community include:
– Offering two additional weeks of paid leave for any UK and Ireland Reservist or Adult Cadet volunteers to attend their annual base camp.
– Sponsoring the Endeavour Award at Northumbria Army Cadets – which recognises the
significant achievement that one Cadet has made towards achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE).
– Providing five iPads in the past two years to Cadets to facilitate online access to the Duke of Edinburgh application portal.
– Offering careers advice to Cadets through Dräger’s HR team, including CV writing skills,
interview preparation and access to Dräger’s work experience programme.
– Supporting the Combat Stress Charity Annual Dinner – the Combat Stress Charity provides specialist clinical treatment and support for veterans from the British Armed Forces, focusing on those with PTSD, Complex-PTSD, and moral injury resulting from their experiences during military service.
– Attending military events such as Trooping the Colour and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
– Providing advice and support to other organisations in respect of their Armed Forces Covenant applications.
– Hosting the North of England Forces Business Forum events

Dräger also has a long history of working with both the military and its prime contractors, supplying military personnel operating in some of the most challenging environments with the very best safety equipment, from respiratory protection to diving equipment, gas detection and more.