Stagecoach is among a small number of bus operators to have gained a gold award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, completing the group’s elevation to that flagship status over three years.
Membership of the scheme is for employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community. All participating organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and must satisfy an escalating number of criteria depending on their bronze, silver or gold status.
Stagecoach sits alongside a handful of other bus operators that hold the gold award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Lothian Buses achieved that level in 2023, while Go-Ahead Group subsidiaries Go North West and Plymouth Citybus have done so this year. Transport for London and Transport for Wales are also listed.
Stagecoach has been a member of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme since 2015. The group says it is one of the largest employers of ex-forces personnel within the UK, with over 2,000 veterans and reservists among its 24,000 total payroll.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme is supported by Stagecoach’s employee-led Veterans Network. The latter was launched to allow colleagues within the group to adopt one voice to make change, raise awareness, and influence business decisions.
In achieving gold status, Stagecoach has attended 29 Ministry of Defence Career Transitional Partnership employment fairs, where 49 drivers, engineers and engineering managers have been recruited in various locations.
Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire Interim Operations Director Simon Tramalloni is the group’s Armed Forces and Veterans Co-Lead.
On achieving the gold award, Mr Tramalloni says: “Our Veterans Network works hard to ensure that 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 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.”
Stagecoach CEO Claire Miles has echoed Mr Tramalloni’s words in welcoming the ascent to gold award status for the group.
“Knowing how much work has gone into achieving gold makes this very special, and it is a testament to our continued commitment to supporting those who serve and have served our country.”
