Supporting the Armed Forces community is not about one week in June. It is about the actions organisations take throughout the other 51 weeks of the year.
What Is the Armed Forces Community?
The Armed Forces community includes serving personnel, veterans, Reservists, military families, cadet force adult volunteers and organisations that support those connected to military service.
The Armed Forces community plays an important role across the UK, bringing valuable skills, experience and leadership into workplaces, local communities and public life. Through initiatives such as the Armed Forces Covenant and Armed Forces Week, employers are encouraged to recognise and support the contribution made by the Armed Forces community throughout the year.
At Auctus Management Group, that support is a long-term commitment that extends beyond recognition and into meaningful action.
Why Supporting the Armed Forces Community Matters
As we celebrate Armed Forces Week 2026, Auctus Management Group is proud to recognise the contribution of serving personnel, veterans, Reservists and military families across the UK. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the long-term commitments that support the Armed Forces community throughout the year.
As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award holder, Auctus Management Group has demonstrated its commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community through employment opportunities, partnerships and fundraising initiatives. Following reassessment in 2024, the organisation successfully retained its Gold Award status for a further five years, reinforcing that commitment well into the future.
Alongside this, colleagues across Auctus Management Group and RSS Infrastructure have raised more than £84,000 for the Royal British Legion since 2018 through fundraising initiatives including Pedal to Paris.
Gold Employer Recognition Scheme: A Commitment Recognised
Awarded by the Ministry of Defence, the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme recognises employers that demonstrate exceptional support for the Armed Forces community and actively champion the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
For Auctus Management Group, achieving and retaining Gold status is not simply recognition of past achievements but validation of an ongoing commitment.
Richard Toy, CEO of Auctus Management Group, said:
“As CEO of Auctus Management Group, I am incredibly proud that we not only achieved Gold status in the Employer Recognition Scheme but successfully retained it following reassessment.
The award reflects a sustained commitment to those who have served our country and to the wider Armed Forces community. We recognise that military personnel bring a wealth of transferable skills, experience and leadership qualities, many of which align naturally with the needs of the infrastructure sector.
We are proud to have provided opportunities for veterans within our businesses and grateful for the contribution they continue to make. Their professionalism, resilience and commitment have strengthened our organisation in countless ways.”
Across the infrastructure sector, veterans continue to demonstrate how military experience can translate into successful civilian careers and long-term leadership opportunities.
Why Veterans Add Value to the Infrastructure Sector
The infrastructure sector relies on many of the same qualities that are developed through military service.
Leadership, accountability, teamwork, resilience and professionalism are essential attributes in both environments.
Veterans often bring a practical, solutions-focused mindset and a strong sense of responsibility that benefits teams, projects and customers alike.
By recognising these transferable skills and creating opportunities for individuals transitioning from military service, businesses can access an exceptional pool of talent while supporting successful civilian careers. Many veterans successfully transition into careers across infrastructure, engineering and construction, bringing skills that have been developed in demanding environments. Supporting veterans is an important part of strengthening the wider Armed Forces community and ensuring military experience continues to benefit UK industry.
Supporting Beyond Employment
Supporting the Armed Forces community extends beyond employment. Auctus Management Group is proud to maintain a strong relationship with the West Midlands Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (WMRFCA) and to actively support initiatives that strengthen understanding and engagement between employers and the Armed Forces.
The organisation also recognises the important role Reservists play, balancing civilian careers with military commitments and bringing valuable leadership skills, experience and professional development opportunities into the workplace.
Supporting the Armed Forces Community Through Fundraising
One of the most visible examples of this commitment is the annual Pedal to Paris challenge. Since 2018, colleagues have raised more than £84,000 in support of the Royal British Legion, helping to fund services that support serving personnel, veterans and their families.
The challenge has become a valued tradition within the business and reflects the dedication of colleagues who continue to support the Armed Forces community through action as well as words.
Building Strong Relationships
Strong relationships sit at the heart of meaningful support.
Reflecting on his experience attending RHINO HEART in Germany as an observer, Richard Toy commented:
“I was honoured to be invited to Germany last year as an observer for RHINO HEART and to see the exercise in action first-hand.
What I witnessed was genuinely impressive. The professionalism, teamwork and capability demonstrated by those involved only increased my admiration for the work carried out by our Armed Forces.
Experiences like RHINO HEART reinforce the importance of the relationships we have built across the Armed Forces community. We are proud of those connections and grateful for the warm welcome and support we have received.”
Supporting the Armed Forces Community for the Long Term
Armed Forces Week provides an important opportunity to recognise the contribution of the Armed Forces community, but meaningful support is demonstrated through consistent action throughout the year. Supporting the Armed Forces community requires long-term commitment, strong partnerships and a genuine desire to create opportunities for those who serve, have served or support military life.
Through employment opportunities, partnerships, fundraising and advocacy, Auctus Management Group remains committed to supporting serving personnel, veterans, Reservists and military families.
It is a commitment we are proud of and one that will continue to guide our support for the Armed Forces community for many years to come.
About Auctus Management Group
Auctus Management Group is a specialist provider of infrastructure services across the UK. Through RSS Infrastructure, the organisation delivers specialist services supporting critical infrastructure across the UK.
As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award holder, Auctus Management Group is committed to supporting serving personnel, veterans, Reservists and military families through employment opportunities, partnerships, fundraising and community engagement.
Since 2018, colleagues across Auctus Management Group and RSS Infrastructure have raised more than £84,000 for the Royal British Legion through initiatives including Pedal to Paris.