Stagecoach recognised by Armed Forces Covenant with Gold Award

Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, has been awarded the prestigious Gold award from the Armed Forces Covenant, as part of The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, for its commitment to the armed forces community.  

The operator is one of the largest employers of ex-forces personnel within the UK, with over 2000 veterans and reservists currently employed. 

The achievement means Stagecoach have progressed through each award criteria for three consecutive years. 

The ERS scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. 

Stagecoach has been a member of the Armed Force Covenant since March 2015, recognising the value of serving personnel, regular and reservists, veterans and military families to both the country and businesses across the country.  

The scheme is supported by Stagecoach’s employee-led Veterans Network, launched to allow Stagecoach colleagues to come together as one voice to make change, raise awareness, and help influence business decisions. 

Contributing to their Gold Award status, Stagecoach have attended 29 Ministry of Defence Career Transitional Partnership employment fairs where 49 drivers, engineers and engineering managers have been recruited in various locations throughout the UK. 

Claire Miles, Stagecoach Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am incredibly proud of our team for their dedication and focus to achieve the Gold Standard Award for our Armed Forces Covenant. Knowing how much work has gone into achieving gold makes this very special and is a testament to our continued commitment to supporting those who serve and have served our country." 

Simon Tramalloni, Interim Operations Director for Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire & South Lancashire and Armed Forces & Veterans Co-Lead said: “Our Veterans Network works hard to ensure Stagecoach continuously provides the best support and opportunities to Veterans and the wider armed forces community, so we are all extremely proud to be recognised with the Gold Standard Award from the Armed Forces Covenant, Ministry of Defence. 

There is huge value for employers from ex-forces personnel and the wider armed forces community where we will continue to highlight this pool of talent not only within our business but the communities we serve'.”