Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, presented AECOM with the Ministry of Defence’s highest recognition for employer support to the Armed Forces last night. AECOM was one of just 22 companies awarded a Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which recognises organisations that pledge, demonstrate and advocate support to the Armed Forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

AECOM has doubled the number of Reservists it employs in the past 12 months through new hires and its own employees joining. It allows 15 extra days’ leave for them, as well as Cadet Instructors. The company has also introduced a specific service for recruiting those leaving the Armed Forces, which has increased the number of veterans it employs from 40 to 70 spanning all ranks and services.

Steve Morriss, AECOM’s Chief Executive of Europe, Middle East, India and Africa and an Honorary Colonel in the Royal Engineers, who served for 16 years in the military both as an Officer in the Royal Engineers and as a Royal Marine Reservist, received the award on behalf of the company. He said: “As a former Officer myself, I have seen first-hand the breadth of highly transferable skills our Armed Forces can bring to a company like AECOM. We remain committed to recruiting servicemen and women looking to leave the military and providing them with a rewarding second career.”

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who hosted the ERS awards ceremony, said: “Employers across the country are ensuring our military get a fair deal including by helping veterans to have successful careers after leaving service. These companies are rightly being recognised for the support they offer under the Armed Forces Covenant and encouraging other firms to go the extra mile.”

The ceremony was held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, a retirement home for hundreds of army veterans.