Ramsay Health Care UK is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for 2025, the highest honour bestowed by the UK Ministry of Defence to organisations demonstrating exceptional support for the Armed Forces community.
The ERS Gold Award recognises employers who go above and beyond in their advocacy for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families. Ramsay UK’s achievement underlines its longstanding and meaningful commitment to supporting those who serve.
Over the past year, Ramsay UK has enhanced its support for the Armed Forces community through a range of initiatives, including flexible HR policies for service families and reservists, and a dedicated Armed Forces Policy offering additional leave and mobilisation guidance. The organisation has actively marked key national events such as VE Day, Armed Forces Week, and Remembrance Day, supported military charities, and visited the National Memorial Arboretum during Remembrance Week. Ramsay also offers veteran-specific resources and will be implementing regular engagement calls for military-affiliated colleagues. These efforts, along with achieving Veterans Aware accreditation, reflect Ramsay’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace for the Armed Forces community.
Mike Harris, National Lead for Clinical Education and Armed Forces Lead at Ramsay UK, is a veteran of the Royal Air Force. He joined Ramsay after completing 18 years of service.
“I have been fortunate to work with Ramsay Health Care UK since transitioning from the military. The company acknowledged my military experience and qualifications from the outset, ensuring a seamless shift to civilian employment. Ramsay has consistently supported initiatives aimed at assisting members of the armed forces and is continuously seeking opportunities to enhance this support. The company’s acknowledgment of the unique qualities that veterans bring to civilian roles is commendable, and I have always felt well-supported throughout my tenure.”
The recognition reaffirms Ramsay’s commitment to being a Defence-friendly employer, and a trusted healthcare provider with values rooted in respect, equity, and community support.
Nick Costa, CEO of Ramsay Health Care UK, said:
"We are incredibly proud to have been recognised with the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. This achievement reflects our commitment to supporting those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, as well as their families. At Ramsay UK, we understand the unique skills, experience, and dedication that members of the military community bring to the workforce.
We are dedicated to providing an environment where they can thrive and continue to develop their careers beyond their military service. This Gold Award is a testament to the ongoing efforts of our team to foster an inclusive, supportive culture for everyone — whether they are a veteran, reservist, cadet force adult volunteer or part of the wider armed forces family.”
An official award ceremony will take place aboard HMS Belfast in November 2025, where winning organisations will be formally presented with their Gold Awards.