McGill's Group receives gold award for armed forces support

McGill’s Group has received the Ministry of Defence’s highest employer award in recognition of its outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.

The UK’s leading independent bus operator has been awarded Gold in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which recognises organisations demonstrating exceptional and sustained support for serving personnel, reservists, veterans, military families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

McGill’s Group is one of 162 employers across the UK to receive the prestigious Gold Award in 2026.

The company is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and provides free travel on its services throughout the year for serving military personnel.

McGill’s also recognises military skills and qualifications during recruitment, works with the Career Transition Partnership to support service leavers into employment and employs veterans across its operations.

The company supports Armed Forces Day, Remembrance activities and the Poppy Appeal, as well as charities including Erskine and Poppyscotland.

Kirsty Marshall, Group HR Manager at McGill’s, said: “It is a real honour for McGill’s Group to achieve this award. We are incredibly proud to be recognised for our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and to those who serve, have served and the families who support them.

“Members of the Armed Forces community bring exceptional skills, resilience, leadership and dedication to the workplace. Supporting them is not only the right thing to do - it strengthens our organisation and enriches the communities we serve.

“We are sincerely grateful to serving personnel, veterans, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and their families. Their dedication and service inspire us, and we are privileged to play a part in supporting them.”

McGill’s added that achieving the Gold award would not lessen their drive to continually improve the opportunities available for the Armed Forces community.

Kirsty continued: “While we are delighted to receive this recognition, we see it as a milestone rather than a destination. We will continue building an inclusive and supportive workplace, sharing best practice and encouraging other organisations to strengthen their support for the Armed Forces community.

“We accept this award with pride, gratitude and a renewed commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community for many years to come.”

The Gold Award is given to employers that go beyond their Armed Forces Covenant commitments through forces-friendly employment policies, support for reservists and active advocacy on behalf of the wider Armed Forces community.