On Thursday 6th November, SGC Security Services’ Director of Corporate Governance, David Wilson, officially receive our Gold Award in the 2025 Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. Presented by the UK Ministry of Defence, aboard the historic HMS Belfast, this prestigious honour represents the highest level of recognition an employer can achieve for their commitment to the armed forces community.
What is the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award?
The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is reserved for organisations that go above and beyond in supporting the Defence community. We are immensely proud to join this distinguished group of leading employers across the UK. Our commitment to the armed forces isn’t a recent initiative, it’s woven into the very fabric of who we are as a company.
Armed Forces Veterans in Security: A Natural Partnership
We have multiple team members with Armed Forces backgrounds. They bring with them the discipline, resilience, leadership, and operational excellence that define both military service and professional security. These aren’t just transferable skills; they’re the exact qualities that elevate our service delivery and embody our ‘Excellence as Standard’ motto.
How SGC Supports the Armed Forces Community
The Gold Award specifically recognises our comprehensive approach to supporting the Defence community:
Flexible policies enabling reservists to balance civilian careers with military commitments
Full support for mobilisation leave for active reservists
Active recruitment of veterans and service leavers
Opportunities for military spouses and cadet instructors
Promotion of the Armed Forces Covenant across the security industry
Leadership Commitment to Veterans and Reservists
Paul Macarthur, CEO of SGC Security Services, reflected on the significance of this achievement:
“At SGC Security Services we are immensely proud to receive the Gold Award. It reflects our unwavering commitment to the Defence community and aligns naturally with the values at the heart of the security industry—service, discipline, and integrity. Many of our team members come from Armed Forces backgrounds, and we recognise the unique skills, resilience, and leadership they bring to our operations. Supporting veterans, reservists, and their families isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s vital to our business and our mission.”
Real Stories: Supporting British Army Reservists
The true measure of our commitment isn’t found in awards or policies, it’s reflected in the experiences of our people. Nicol, one of our frontline security guards and a British Army reservist, shared what this support means in practice:
“As a British Army reservist, SGC Security Services has been instrumental in me being able to continue my role as a serving soldier. The support I have received from the management team all the way up to the CEO has been second to none. I truly feel that my time in the reserves is valued by the business and that they understand the benefits of my training and experiences. The encouragement I receive to go and gain new experiences to further develop and grow as both an individual and a leader is outstanding. SGC makes me feel welcome and an integral part of the team.”
A Historic Setting for a Prestigious Award
Receiving the Gold Award aboard HMS Belfast, a vessel that itself represents service, sacrifice, and resilience, felt particularly fitting. As we look ahead, this recognition strengthens our resolve to continue creating pathways for veterans, reservists, and military families to build successful careers in civilian security.
Our Commitment to the Defence Community
To the Defence community: we see you, we value you, and we’re committed to supporting you. This Gold Award belongs to every veteran, reservist, and military family member who has chosen to continue their journey of service with SGC Security Services.
Excellence as Standard extends to honouring those who serve.
