AKG is proud to announce that it has achieved Bronze Award status for a number of our business units, adding to our Silver Award for AKG Employment. These are awarded through the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), recognising the organisation’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a national pledge to ensure that serving personnel, veterans and military families are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged because of their service. By achieving Bronze Award status, AKG joins a growing network of organisations committed to creating opportunities for members of the Armed Forces community.
More than 13,700 organisations across the UK have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting those who serve, or who have previously served, their country.
For AKG, this commitment aligns closely with one of the organisation’s core values: empowerment. Across our employment, learning, health and wellbeing services, we work to help people build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards their goals. Empowering the Armed Forces community reflects that same belief, that every individual should have access to opportunities that enable them to fulfil their potential and build a successful future.
The Armed Forces community represents a significant source of talent, experience and expertise. There are approximately 2.6 million veterans living in the UK, many of whom continue to make valuable contributions across every sector of the economy. Research from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the Forces Employment Charity found that 91% of employers who have recruited veterans reported a positive impact on business performance. Employers highlighted strengths including leadership, adaptability, resilience and problem-solving qualities that remain highly valued in today’s workforce.
As an organisation focused on creating positive outcomes for individuals and communities, AKG recognises the importance of ensuring that these skills and experiences are recognised, valued and supported. AKG Chief Executive Officer, Ayden Sims, said: “Having served in the Royal Air Force, this is a cause that is particularly close to my heart.
“Military service develops qualities that are difficult to teach, resilience, accountability, teamwork and the ability to perform under pressure. Those attributes continue to deliver value long after service has ended.
“At AKG, we are passionate about helping people realise their potential and move forward with confidence. The Armed Forces Covenant reflects that commitment, and I am proud that we have taken this important step as an organisation.
“This recognition is not simply about achieving an award. It is about creating opportunities, recognising talent and ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community know they are valued and supported.”
The Bronze Award represents the beginning of AKG’s Armed Forces Covenant journey, with a longer-term ambition to continue building on these commitments in the years ahead.
As the nation marks Armed Forces Day 2026, AKG would like to thank all serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military families for their service, dedication and contribution.
We are proud to stand alongside the Armed Forces community and support those who have dedicated themselves to serving others.
