We are proud to have received our Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, marking an important milestone in our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

Louisa Gardiner, our Chief People Officer, and Ceri Schunmann, our Chief of Staff, attended the South East awards ceremony at the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop, Hampshire, on 22 September, representing colleagues across Gama Aviation.

Following the announcement of our Gold achievement in July, the presentation celebrated the sustained work behind this recognition, from helping Service leavers establish civilian careers to supporting colleagues who continue to serve.

Gold is the highest level of recognition within the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. It acknowledges employers that demonstrate exceptional support for the Armed Forces community and advocate for that support beyond their own organisations.

Louisa Gardiner, Chief People Officer, commented “Achieving Gold reflects the standards we set ourselves as an employer and our commitment to the Armed Forces community. We recognise the value of military experience and take responsibility for ensuring that people can build on it through rewarding civilian careers, with practical support for those who continue to serve.

“Collecting this award was a proud moment for Gama Aviation and recognition of the work colleagues across our business have undertaken. We will continue to strengthen our military pathways and ensure that the commitments behind this achievement are reflected in people’s experience of working with us.”

For someone leaving military service, the next career step should offer the opportunity to build on their experience. Through our military recruitment pathways for pilots and engineers, we help Service leavers apply their skills in civilian aviation and develop the qualifications needed for their next chapter.

We welcomed 29 people with military backgrounds into our business during 2025. Their recruitment reflects our belief in the value of military experience and our commitment to creating opportunities where it can continue to make a difference.

Our support also extends to colleagues balancing civilian careers with Reserve service or cadet volunteering, and to helping younger people explore opportunities in aviation.

We were pleased to celebrate the occasion with Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards, who supported our Gold application and is pictured with Louisa at the ceremony. Our work with him and his team on military pathway schemes is strengthening the connection between RAF experience and civilian career opportunities.

We thank everyone who has contributed to this achievement, including our colleagues, military contacts, and partner organisations. Their involvement has helped us translate our Armed Forces Covenant commitment into opportunities and support that make a practical difference.

Receiving Gold reinforces our determination to keep developing that work. We want people from the Armed Forces community to see a future with Gama Aviation, with their experience recognised and the support to progress.

 

Ceri Schunmann, Chief of Staff, added: “Having served in the Royal Navy before moving into commercial aviation, I recognise the value of military experience and the importance of employers understanding how it transfers into civilian roles. Service leavers have a great deal to offer, and clear pathways help them apply that experience with confidence.

“Gold recognises the practical commitment our teams have made to supporting that transition and colleagues who continue to serve. I was proud to collect the award alongside Louisa, and I look forward to seeing more people build on their military careers with Gama Aviation.”

If you are preparing to leave the Armed Forces or considering your next role in aviation, visit our Careers pages and our dedicated information for ex-military candidates to explore opportunities with us.