We’re delighted to share that Boots, No7 Beauty Company and Boots Opticians have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award in 2025, recognising the ongoing support to the Armed Forces community. 

This scheme acknowledges employers who actively support defence personnel and the wider Armed Forces community. Since signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2023, Boots has continued to demonstrate our long-term commitment to offering great employment opportunities through our inclusive recruitment process and policies and the continued work of our Armed Forces Alliance business resource group (BRG).

Steve Ager, Chief Commercial Officer and executive sponsor of the Boots Armed Forces Alliance business resource group, said: “We're thrilled to receive this recognition through the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Boots has a proud history of supporting the Armed Forces in the UK, and this award reflects our continued commitment to supporting the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families." 

Since its launch in 2014, the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award has become the highest badge of honour for employers that champion veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military families in the workplace. This year’s winners demonstrate the power of values-led leadership, creating more inclusive, resilient and dynamic organisations.

Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said: "Employers are crucial partners in protecting our security and boosting the economy. By backing veterans, reservists, military families, cadet force adult volunteers and the cadet movement, these organisations build resilient communities and the innovation defence needs. I congratulate them and thank them for their outstanding commitment."