This year’s Going for Gold 2025 event invited forces-friendly employers to explore how they can climb the ladder of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). Held at DRP Group’s creative Studio 212 in Hartlebury, the event was a vibrant celebration of collaboration between businesses and the Armed Forces.

A Reservist tries out one of the interactive VR headsets at Going for Gold 2025, getting an immersive view of what life on a Royal Navy ship looks like The main event space at Going for Gold 2025, where employers are chatting to other businesses and exploring stands and hardware manned by members of the Reserve Forces

In partnership with DRP Group, we delivered an action-packed day full of inspiring experiences, hands-on activities, and valuable insights. Highlights from the day included:

  • Live sports demonstrations from Invictus Team UK, including wheelchair basketball and adaptive rowing
  • Technology and creativity showcases from the DRP Group team
  • Interactive stands run by local Reservist units
  • A delicious Ghurka and Nepalese field kitchen lunch from 37 Signal Regiment
  • Drop-in seminars and expert-led clinics

The event gave employers a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with local Armed Forces units and discover the wealth of transferable skills found within the Reserve Forces.

An employer is handling one of the weapons, whilst a Reservist is explaining how it should be handled and what purpose it is used for

Throughout the day, attendees gained practical knowledge through a variety of drop-in workshops. Topics ranged from attracting and retaining military talent, life as a Reservist, understanding the mobilisation and support process, engaging with the Cadet Forces, and working towards the Gold ERS status.

The Gold Award Association also gathered to share best practices and explore innovative ways employers can continue supporting the Armed Forces community, both within their organisations and across their regions.

Topping off the day we were also delighted to welcome Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 to the stage.  Their CEO Helen Halliwell gave us an sneak preview of what the games will offer, before formally pledging the Games’ support to the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

We also took the opportunity to recognise five outstanding organisations with their revalidated Gold and Silver ERS Awards, honouring their exemplary actions and continued dedication to the Defence community:

Gold Award 2024

  • North Warwickshire Borough Council
  • Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council
  • University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
  • Warwickshire Police

Silver Award 2024

  • Tile Cross Academy

Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 sign the Armed Forces Covenant  Nuneaton and Bedworth Council receive their revalidated 2024 Gold ERS Award from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire

A huge thank you to the DRP Group team for kindly hosting us at their facilities, to all of our seminar presenters, and the local military units, the Battle Back Centre and Invictus Team UK who helped to bring our expo to life with energy and enthusiasm.

Find out more about how your organisation can support the Armed Forces community in your workforce, and how joining the Reserve Forces could be your next adventure.

If you missed our event or would like to re-live the fun again, check out our Going for Gold 2025 highlights reel.

 

 

Published 22/04/25