Derbyshire Police achieve prestigious MOD Gold Award

Derbyshire Constabulary have been successful in achieving a Gold Award in the 2025 Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. 

The scheme encourages organisations to support armed forces personnel and veterans both within their employment and in the wider community – and inspire other organisations to do the same. 

The award comes eight years after the force signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support both current and former members of the armed forces, and just three years after renewing their silver award. 

On hearing of the success, Deputy Chief Constable Simon Blatchly said: "We are incredibly proud to receive this award from the Ministry of Defence. 

“It reflects our deep commitment to supporting our defence communities here in Derbyshire. 

“Service leavers, reservists, and their families all bring invaluable skills and dedication to policing, and they’re well-supported in force by our Armed Forces Family Network.” 

When DCC Blatchly joined Derbyshire Constabulary in 2022, he committed to reinvigorating the support given to the armed forces communities. 

Shortly afterwards, the staff network was launched with a clear mission: to identify the military community within the constabulary, to understand and support their needs, and work towards gold in the Defence Employment Recognition Scheme (DERS).  

Led by Inspector Guy Fillipich, the Armed Forces Family Network now has more than 70 active members. The network’s support is outward-looking too, building strong and lasting partnerships with local charities, NHS organisations, businesses, and other key stakeholders. 

DCC Blatchly continues: “The Armed Forces Family Network has been fundamental in making sure we have the best policies and procedures in place to support our ex-service personnel and our Reservists – and that these policies are understood by the organisation.  

“We’re also working to support people across the county and beyond through our regular armed forces recruitment webinars, which although they have a Derbyshire focus, are suitable for anyone with a military background. 

“The recognition that this award brings will only strengthen our resolve to be an inclusive and supportive employer for all.” 

Welcoming the Cabinet Office announcement, Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said: “I am very supportive of this scheme.  

“It is only right that our armed forces communities are welcomed, supported and valued in the workplace, so I’m proud of what has been achieved here in Derbyshire Constabulary. 

“This is something that we must nurture and in doing so, encourage other organisations to support. The award is recognition of our commitment and enthusiasm for doing so.” 

To achieve a gold award, organisations must have supportive HR policies in place for service leavers, reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as the spouses and partners of those serving in the armed forces. 

Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the armed forces community, by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.