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Supporting our Armed Forces: Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award for Parker Bullen LLP

As a firm, we are proud to support our Armed Forces community in various ways and so we are delighted to share that we have been awarded the Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award. This prestigious recognition reflects our deep-rooted commitment to the Armed Forces community and follows our earlier achievement of the Bronze Award. Here, we are pleased to share the meaning behind the award, our long-standing support of military personnel and their families, and what this recognition means for us and our clients.

Our heritage of supporting the Armed Forces community

Supporting the Armed Forces community is not just something we do; it is part of who we are. With several members of our team either having served in the military, married to service personnel, or having grown up on military bases, our connection is personal, deep, and ongoing.

Our firm's values of heritage, excellence, versatility, and connection align naturally with the dedication, strength, and adaptability of the UK’s Armed Forces. Whether it is helping a veteran plan for the future or assisting a military spouse with family matters, our approach is simple; provide excellent, accessible, and personal legal advice for the Armed Forces at every stage of life.

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise made by the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the military, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect in the communities they live and work. By signing the Covenant, we pledge to uphold its principles by:

  • Recognising the unique sacrifices of those who serve
  • Ensuring no disadvantage when accessing our legal services
  • Actively supporting members of the Armed Forces community through initiatives, events, and practical help

We first signed the Armed Forces Covenant as part of our commitment to making a tangible difference for the community.

What is the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme?

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. To be awarded the Silver ERS Award, employers must:

  • Demonstrate support for defence personnel, including reservists, veterans, cadet instructors, and military spouses
  • Proactively communicate this support internally and externally
  • Ensure HR policies align with the needs of those who serve

Receiving the Silver Award acknowledges our continued efforts to not only hire and support veterans and reservists but to also raise awareness of military issues across our firm and wider community.

How we support the Armed Forces every day

We support the Armed Forces community in practical, meaningful ways:

  • Tailored legal advice for the Armed Forces - Our team understands the unique challenges that come with military life; frequent relocations, deployments, and complex family or property situations. We provide specialist legal advice for the Armed Forces across all major practice areas, including Family law, moving home, Wills and estate planning, employment issues, as well as service inquiries and complaints.
  • Discounts for Armed Forces personnel - As a gesture of appreciation, we offer discounts across selected departments on our legal services for current and former members of the military and their immediate families.
  • Armed Forces Day and community events - We are regular participants in Armed Forces Day events across the South of England. Whether it is hosting a stall, offering free resources, or simply being there to chat, our presence shows our ongoing support.
  • Free legal clinics - Throughout the year, we run free legal clinics designed especially for military personnel, veterans, and families. These drop-in sessions are a no-pressure way for people to get answers to their questions and understand their rights.

Suzanne Foster, Partner, Head of Family Law and Squadron Leader, Sector Commander for Central Wiltshire, commented about the award, “Receiving the Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award is a huge honour for us as a firm. It is more than recognition; it is a reflection of our culture, our values, and the people behind our business. It reminds us of our responsibility; to be a law firm that listens, adapts, and advocates for those who are currently serving, veterans and their families. Many of our colleagues have a direct connection to the military, and that insight strengthens the way we serve the Armed Forces community every day. Whether through tailored advice, flexible service, or simply understanding what our military clients are going through, we are proud to offer law from every angle to those who serve.”

If you are a part of the military community and you are seeking legal advice, you can contact a member of our Armed Forces team from our offices in Andover, Romsey, Salisbury, Totton or Witney by filling out the Contact Form, emailing info@parkerbullen.com, or calling your local office from the numbers below: