South West Water Awarded Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award for Support to Armed Forces Community

Support for the Armed Forces Recognised with National Award

South West Water has been awarded the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award in recognition of its exceptional support for the armed forces community, including veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military families.

The Silver Award is part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which honours UK organisations that actively champion service personnel and embed inclusive practices across their workforce. The accolade highlights South West Water’s efforts in going above and beyond its 2023 Armed Forces Covenant pledge.

Veterans Network and Career Support

Since signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2023, South West Water has taken steps to build a more inclusive environment for service leavers. Among those steps was the launch of a dedicated Veterans Network Group, offering a safe space for peer advice, mentoring and resources.

The company also takes part in career events, mentoring schemes and service leaver support, ensuring that military experience is properly recognised and valued across its teams.

Royal Navy veteran and Process Safety Manager Derek Folds led the effort to get the Armed Forces Covenant signed. Derek said:

“Achieving the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award isn’t just a commendation for South West Water; it’s a powerful statement of our unwavering dedication to veterans, their families, reservists, and our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

“We proudly champion the recruitment of veterans into our diverse and inclusive teams, providing career paths that perfectly leverage their expertise and training. This award underscores our deep commitment to our collective futures.”

Voices from the Armed Forces Community at South West Water

Several veterans working at South West Water have spoken about what the Silver Award and Armed Forces Covenant mean to them.

Derek Folds

Derek served 29 years in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm before joining the company in 2022. He highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between military and civilian language in interviews and ensuring veterans feel valued.

“Transitioning from the military is a daunting prospect and the covenant shows veterans and their families that we recognise this and that we support them within the workplace.”

Paul Carne

Paul served 16 years as an Avionics Engineer in the Royal Air Force and joined South West Water in 2020. He now works as Head of Asset Intelligence – Water Services.

“Joining the Armed Forces Covenant is hugely important for the business and all ex-service personnel. For me, it shows a commitment from the business knowing that I am wanted and I that have skills the business desire.”

Gareth Morgan

Gareth is a Royal Marine veteran who served 13 years in landing craft and armoured support groups. He now works as a Portfolio Manager for Programme Delivery (West) and mentors other veterans.

“The feeling that South West Water wants to increase their veterans awareness and support is great. In the veterans support group we check in with each other regularly and the support has been good and is only getting better.”

Danny Langton

Danny served 16 years in the British Army before joining South West Water in 2022 as Head of Health and Safety.

“The company’s veterans community has a plethora of skills and resources, and they are always willing to step outside of their day job and go the extra mile when required – this couldn’t be done without the support of senior leaders within the organisation.”

A Message from the CEO

Chief Executive Susan Davy said the award is a reflection of the company’s respect and appreciation for the armed forces community.

“We are incredibly proud to receive the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award, which reflects our deep respect and appreciation for those who serve, have served, and their families.

“We are committed to creating a workplace where veterans, reservists, and cadet force adult volunteers feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our brilliant teams, especially our internal Veterans Network.”

Looking Ahead

South West Water’s Silver Award underlines its growing reputation as a forces-friendly employer. The company remains committed to supporting service leavers, reservists, cadet force volunteers and military families, and to making sure their skills are celebrated in the workplace.