South West Water awarded Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award for outstanding support to armed forces community

South West Water has been awarded the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) in recognition of its exceptional commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military families in the workplace.

The ERS honours UK organisations that actively champion the Armed Forces community. The Silver Award is given to employers who go above and beyond their Armed Forces Covenant commitments by embedding inclusive policies, promoting defence values, and advocating for service personnel across their teams.

South West Water signed the Armed Forces Covenant, alongside the Ministry of Defence in 2023 which marked a formal pledge to uphold these commitments.

Since then, the company has made progress in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for service leavers and their families.

As part of that journey, South West Water established an internal Veterans Network Group in 2023, providing a safe and supportive space for veteran colleagues to access peer advice, mentoring, and resources.

The company also engages in career events, mentoring initiatives, and service leaver support, ensuring military experience is recognised and valued across the business.

Derek Folds, Process Safety Manager and Royal Navy veteran, was instrumental in leading the Armed Forces Covenant initiative at South West Water and said he’s thrilled the company has been graced with the accolade.

“Achieving the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award isn’t just a commendation for South West Water; it’s a powerful statement of our unwavering dedication to veterans, their families, reservists, and our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers,” Derek said.

“We proudly champion the recruitment of veterans into our diverse and inclusive teams, providing career paths that perfectly leverage their expertise and training. This award underscores our deep commitment to our collective futures.”

Susan Davy, CEO added: “We are incredibly proud to receive the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award, which reflects our deep respect and appreciation for those who serve, have served, and their families.

“We are committed to creating a workplace where veterans, reservists, and cadet force adult volunteers feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our brilliant teams, especially our internal Veterans Network, and our ongoing drive to ensure military talent is celebrated across our organisation. We look forward to continuing this important journey.”

Being recognised with the Silver Award has renewed South West Water’s position as a forces-friendly employer which is committed to recruiting and supporting those who serve or have served and helping them develop in their new roles.

Through its Veterans Network Group and the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award recognition, South West Water has reaffirmed its position as a forces-friendly employer, committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting those who serve or have served.

Voices from within: Meet some of South West Water’s amazing veterans

To show the impact that being part of the Armed Forces Covenant has, South West Water has spoken to four of its amazing veterans who bring exceptional skills, values, and lived experience to the company to find out more about what the award and the covenant means to them:

Derek Folds  - Process Safety Manager

Royal Navy veteran – 29 years of service in the Fleet Air Army

Derek joined South West Water in 2022 after a career in the space industry. Realising the company hadn’t yet signed the Armed Forces Covenant, he led efforts to change that and he hasn’t looked back since.

“We have supported veterans via careers events, mentoring and also ensuring that a veteran within the business is there at a service leavers interview to help bridge the military language barrier,” Derek said.

“Transitioning from the military is a daunting prospect and the covenant shows veterans and tier families that we recognise this and that we support them within the work place.  It is a beacon to those service leavers that we not only value their service but we also value the skills they have acquired to help make our business a more diverse place.”

Paul Carne - Head of Asset Intelligence – Water Services

Royal Air Force Veteran – 16 years of service as an Avionics Engineer

After a distinguished RAF career and senior civilian roles supporting the MOD, Paul joined South West Water in 2020 as a Waste Water Services Operations Manager and now works as the Head of Asset Intelligence for Water Services.

“Joining the Armed Forces Covenant is hugely important for the business and all ex-service personnel. For me, it shows a commitment from the business knowing that I am wanted and I that have skills the business desire,” Paul said.

“The move from service to civilian life can be tricky for some, but South West Water’s integrity and commitment in achieving the covenant displays everything you would want to see from a business employing more and more ex-service personnel. I am very proud that South West Water has achieved this recognition.”

Gareth Morgan - Portfolio Manager, Programme Delivery (West)

Royal Marine Veteran – 13 years of service specialising in landing craft for amphibious assaults and working in an armoured support group known as Vikings.

Gareth joined South West Water in 2021 after a diverse career in the Royal Marines and brings frontline understanding of the challenges service leavers face. He now mentors others transitioning into civilian roles.

“I had smooth transition into my role at South West Water as my line manager and main manager are both veterans so understood my language,” Gareth said. “They helped me to be more aware of adjustments I needed to make when aligning with my new team in operations.

“Being able to give back to veterans and their families, offering lessons learnt from my experience and also assisting the business in being held more accountable for the badge of honour the covenant comes with is fantastic and I really enjoy it.

“The feeling that South West Water wants to increase their veterans awareness and support is great. In the veterans support group we check in with each other regularly and the support has been good and is only getting better.”

Danny Langton - Head of Health and Safety

British Army – 16 years of service

After a distinguished career in the British Army, Danny joined South West Water in 2022 and has really benefitted from the support his veteran colleagues have given him.

“Throughout my time at South West Water the support I’ve had has been exemplary,” Danny said. “The company’s veterans community has a plethora of skills and resources, and they are always willing to step outside of their day job and go the extra mile when required – this couldn’t be done without the support if senior leaders within the organisation.

“I wanted to join the Armed Forces Covenant to acknowledge the extraordinary work individuals are doing to support veterans. It is a commitment to honouring service, championing fairness, and helping veterans thrive in civilian life. It’s our commitment to ensuring no one is left behind after service, and to building a stronger, more inclusive community for all.”

South West Water is proud to be officially recognised as a Silver Award holder under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.

The organisation remains committed to building a workforce that is inclusive, resilient, and strengthened by the unique skills of the Armed Forces community.