We are proud to announce that Cheshire West Recycling has been awarded gold status in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) – the highest recognition for organisations championing the Armed Forces community. Signing the Covenant in Spring 2023 to cement our support for the Armed Forces and Defence, CWR has since achieved Bronze, Silver and now Gold awards for not only opening doors for ex-service personnel, veterans and reservists, but for our work strengthening the wider Armed Forces community.
Since the beginning of the year, with an adjustment to recruitment and selection processes for ex-service personnel – and through the implementation of policies that champion and advocate for the inclusion of Reservists within the workforce – an additional 10 veterans have already been welcomed to the team.
As we move forward through 2025, we are pledging to continue actively engaging with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and the Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) portal and to support service leavers and their transition into civilian employment.
Steve Irwin, CWR’s Senior Materials & Engineering Manager and former Royal Engineer, has played a leading role in championing our support for the scheme. He shares: “We understand the immense value that veterans bring to the workforce – leadership, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving are second nature to those who have served. Their ability to quickly assess situations, make effective decisions and maintain strong communication are invaluable assets in a rapidly changing work environment. By actively championing this initiative, we aim to bridge the gap between military and civilian sectors, ensuring veterans’ talents are recognised and fully utilised within our organisation.”
Managing Director Andy Edwards adds: “We have seen first-hand how the adaptability and mission-focused mindset of our ex-services personnel strengthen our teams. They enrich our workplace culture and make a valuable contribution towards helping us deliver consistent, high-quality service to our communities.”
For CWR, joining the ERS has been about more than just employment. Creating opportunities, building inclusive workplaces and shaping stronger communities is at the core of our ethos, and our commitment to the Covenant has given us a framework to act with purpose.
Recognising the vital role Defence personnel play in society, we have extended dedicated support to Reservists, enabling them to meet training and mobilisation commitments with confidence and flexibility.
Looking to the future, we’re also investing in the next generation through a new partnership with Ellesmere Port Sea Cadets, providing monthly sessions to help young people gain the skills and guidance they need to take their next steps. Whether this move is into further education, training or a military pathway, we strive to unlock potential and create lasting, positive impact.
Frank Rogers, Chair of the CWR Board concludes: “Two years on from signing the Covenant, we have a clear pathway to drive real change and foster a culture of inclusion and purpose. As we grow as an organisation ourselves, we will keep advocating for Defence people both within our workforce and across our networks because we’ve seen directly how these commitments deliver meaningful results.”
#GoldERS25
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